The History Museum will RE-OPEN on SEPTEMBER 29, 2020. The Research Center remains temporarily closed. Close
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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

IN THE SPIRIT Artist Spotlight 1

IN THE SPIRIT Artist Spotlight

Oct 1, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meet artist Lily Hope (Tlingit) as she describes the creation and inspiration for Chilkat Protector. This piece is not only featured in this year’s exhibition, but has also received international attention and appeared in publications like First American Art Magazine as a poignant reflection of the Indigenous experience during a global pandemic.
2020 In the Spirit Contemporary Native Arts Virtual Exhibition 14

IN THE SPIRIT Artist Spotlight

Oct 8, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meet artist Dan Friday (Lummi) as he describes the creation and inspiration behind his works Owl Totem and Forager Totem featured in the 2020 IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition.
IN THE SPIRIT Closing Celebration

IN THE SPIRIT Closing Celebration

Oct 17, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Join the renowned band Khu.éex’ for a live streamed performance directly from Museum of Glass. Tlingit tribal member Preston Singletary, an internationally recognized glass artist, founded this one-of-a-kind collaboration with major musicians including the legendary late Rock and Roll Hall of Fame composer and performer Bernie Worrell of Parliament/Funkadelic and Talking Heads: Skerik, collaborator with Pearl Jam; Stanton Moore of Galactic; Captain Raab of Red Earth; and tribal members Clarissa Rizal, Gene Tagaban and Nahaan.
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Washington State History Museum

Find out more about the History Museum

Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and events.

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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)