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    NOTICE

    Temporary Closure

    The History Museum and Research Center are temporarily closed
    Our COVID Response
  • Votes for Women 3
    Exhibition

    Votes for Women

    100 Years and Counting
    Celebrate the centennial!
  • Education 9
    History at Home

    Curriculum, coloring pages & more!

    Connect with history from home.
    Check it out!
  • Unforgiving Waters: Shipwrecks of the Pacific Northwest
    Exhibition

    Unforgiving Waters

    Shipwrecks of the Pacific Northwest
    Dive In!

Explore Washington History Today

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

Museum Location
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402

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Upcoming Events

Pride in Grit City

Pride in Grit City: An LGBTQ Retrospective

Jul 7, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us for another McMenamins Elks Temple Virtual History Pub! We will be joined by John Reed all the way from Sacramento for a special retrospective on LGBTQ history in Tacoma.
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Pacific Northwest History Conference

Oct 21, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Learn More
History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball II

History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball II

Dec 3, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Prohibition is a big topic in Washington’s history, and we’re going to continue to explore the fascinating tales of rum-running, speakeasies and more with a wealth of new activities and presenters!
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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

More than a museum - WSHS is a statewide resource

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)