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!
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    Grant Opportunity

    Diversity in Local History

    Supporting heritage organizations across Washington
    Learn more
  • 360 Members-Only Gallery Preview
    Exhibition

    360

    Brand new permanent gallery
    Come in and explore!
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    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

Scholarly Selections

Scholarly Selections

Oct 21, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join this presentation on Facebook Live (Facebook account is not required to see event!). UWT professor Riki Thompson presents her original research about online dating for individuals who identify outside of binary gender norms. She illuminates the challenges and opportunities of online dating in relation to gender and sexuality.
postponed

Family Saturday: Exploring 360

This event has been postponed. Check back soon for new date.
Join us for a facilitated family-friendly exploration of the new 360 gallery, including a special activity.
postponed

Family Saturday

Postponed, check back soon for new date.
Meet the Pacific Northwest African American Quilters as they share their fiber arts creations and the stories behind them. Then, try your hand at patterning squares that tell your own story!
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)