Washington State History Museum and Research Center are closed through December 14, 2020 per directives from the Office of the Governor related to COVID-19. Close
Search
Menu
  • Home 19
    NOTICE

    Museum closed through Dec. 14, 2020

    Virtual programs continue. Join us remotely!
    Our COVID Response
  • History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball II 1
    Event

    Bootleggers Ball II

    Virtual event
    Join us Dec. 3, 7-10 PM
  • Votes for Women 3
    Exhibition

    Votes for Women

    100 Years and Counting
    Find out more!
  • Education 9
    History at Home

    Curriculum, coloring pages & more!

    Connect with history from home.
    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

Directions / Parking / Transit

Buy Tickets

Join Us

Upcoming Events

History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball II 2

History After Hours: Bootleggers’ Ball II

Dec 3, 7:00pm - 9:30pm
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!
Challenging History: Racism and City Development’s Impact on Washington’s Health Today 2

Challenging History: Racism and City Development’s Impact on Washington’s Health Today

Jan 28, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn More
Emerald Street History of Hip Hop

Black History is Washington History, Lecture #1

Feb 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn More
Home 7
Washington State History Museum

Find out more about the History Museum

Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and events.

Explore!
Home 1
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

Home 12

Asahel Curtis Photographs

view collection
Home 13

Main Street, Washington

view collection
Home 14

Washington Apples

view collection
Home 15

Washington's Winter Pastimes

view collection
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)