The Washington State History Museum is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. All visitors ages 5 and above are required to wear masks while in the museum. Close
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  • The 25th Annual Model Train Festival
    Event

    It's coming - the 25th Annual Model Train Festival!

    Dec. 17, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022
    Find out more!
  • Veterans Day: Stories from Native American Veterans 3
    Event

    Veterans Day Program

    "Why We Serve" from the National Museum of the American Indian
    Details here
  • 360 Members-Only Gallery Preview
    Exhibition

    360

    Brand new permanent gallery
    Come in and explore!
  • Home 24
    Exhibition

    Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts

    from the American Folk Art Museum, NY
    Find out more

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

postponed

History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball III

Dec 2, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Kick-off the holiday season by raising a glass to Repeal Day! Cut a rug with a live performance by The Happy Sinners, sip on the bee’s knees of cocktails, and take in tales of Washington in the ‘20s with historian Steve Edmiston. Dress to the nines for a chance to win the coveted costume contest!
Members Night

WSHS Members Night

Dec 18, 5:30pm - 8:00pm
The Model Train Festival has been a winter tradition bringing families and communities together for a quarter of a century. We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy the marvelously detailed train layouts throughout the museum, talk with the train clubs, and explore the exhibitions at this member-exclusive event.
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Jan 17, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
January 17, 2022, 12:00-4:00 PM Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day FREE museum admission and activities
visitors in gallery McNeil
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)