The Washington State History Museum is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated for COVID are required to wear a mask while in the museum.
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  • building photos

    New exhibits

    Tues.-Sun., 10 AM-5 PM
    Find out what's on view!
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    Event

    History Pub at McMenamins Elks Temple

    Meet artist Peter Boome
    Details
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    Washington Black History Project

    WSHS and Advisory Committee initiatives
    Find out more!
  • IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival
    Event

    IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Festival

    FREE, August 7 10AM-5PM
    Learn more here!

Explore Washington History Today

The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all.

The Washington State Historical Society is headquartered in Tacoma on the traditional lands of the Puyallup People who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. We pay respect to their elders past and present.

Museum Location
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

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Upcoming Events

IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival

IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival

Aug 7, 10:00am - 5:00pm
This well-loved annual festival will be held in person! Visit the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and Museum of Glass free of charge, peruse vendors and talk with artists about their work.
postponed

Virtual K-12 Educator Workshop – POSTPONED

Aug 14, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Museum educators will present creative ways to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics into the classroom! Workshops for both primary and secondary teachers will provide lesson plans and supplementary materials.
FREE admission for active duty military and families

FREE admission for active duty military and families

Every day through September 5, 2021
The Washington State History Museum is thanking active-duty military and their families for their service by offering FREE admission through September 5, 2021. Up to five family members can visit the History Museum admission-free, with designated ID; the active-duty family member does not need to be present.
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Washington State History Museum

Find out more about the History Museum

Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and events.

Explore!
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Research Center and Statewide Resources

More than a museum - WSHS supports research and heritage orgs across Washington

Learn more about the Washington State Historical Society, our mission and vision, the Research Center, Heritage Capital Project program, heritage outreach, opportunities for philanthropy, and more.

About WSHS

Featured Collections

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Asahel Curtis Photographs

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Main Street, Washington

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Washington Apples

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Washington's Winter Pastimes

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Testimonials
  • "Excellent regional museum. We go most years around the holidays to see the model railroad exhibits. Always something new to see and learn."
    - Rich Traulsen
  • "I will never forget this wonderful adventure through the history of Washington, and I hope I have an opportunity to visit the museum again."
    - Josh, 7th grader
  • "Outstanding museum! Awesome displays and lots of interactive displays. Great family destination, good value for the entertainment dollars and you might learn a thing or two."
    - Kevin Carlton
  • "This is an awesome Museum. It takes you through the history of Washington State. The geological, historical, cultural, art, science and technological journey across different time frames. The museum is located in the downtown Tacoma easily accessible via public transit. If you are driving, the parking is spacious...The museum is really worth visiting."
    - Prashant KC
  • "This is a beautiful museum that is located in an area with stunning views of the bay and Mt Rainer. Lots of great local restaurants in walking distance makes for an easy day out."
    - Jim's Opinion (Google Reviews)