The Washington State History Museum is open for visitors Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Masks are required. Special hours on the third Thursday of each month, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM with free admission 3:00-8:00 PM.
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Just the Ticket 4

Just the Ticket

Apr 2 - Aug 22 2021
Hop aboard for a journey through the history of railroad travel in Washington State! This exhibition of rail travel posters, schedules, tickets, and train-related objects provides a glimpse of how and why passengers traveled. Visit the History Museum for this new exhibition, and while you're here, see the state's largest model train layout on public view, too!
Crossing Boundaries 2

Crossing Boundaries

May 29 - Dec 10 2021
This exhibit highlights historical narratives of transgender people in the West and considers how westward migration provided opportunities for self-expression and fulfillment. Traversing unfamiliar territory, these individuals crossed both physical boundaries and the perceptual boundaries of their earlier lives. Join us in learning more about the history of gender, identity, and changing cultural perceptions in the West and the connections between transgender history and the LGBTQ+ community today.
Great Hall of Washington History 7

Great Hall of Washington History

Permanent Exhibition
Our largest exhibit is a walk through time, showcasing some of the state’s earliest history and a variety of artifacts from Native American civilizations and cultures.
Remembrance 1

REMEMBRANCE

Permanent Exhibition
This new long-term gallery at Washington State History Museum explores the intergenerational impacts and legacy of the incarceration of people of Japanese ancestry during World War II as a result of Executive Order 9066. Many of the letters, photographs, ephemera, and objects on view were contributed by people in our community who were incarcerated, or are the descendants of those who were incarcerated.
Washington: My Home

Washington: My Home

Permanent Exhibition
This permanent exhibit explores migration and immigration through the experiences of diverse individuals who, over time, have come to live in Washington.
Juneteenth

Honoring Juneteenth

Jun 19, 10:00am - 5:00pm
The oldest celebrated national commemoration of the ending of slavery, Juneteenth is commemorated to acknowledge a period in American history that continues to shape our communities. WSHS encourages you to join us in celebrating with one of our many partners who preserve the history of Black Americans and Washingtonians. See page for links and resources.
A Look at Washington State PRIDE

A Look at Washington State PRIDE

Jul 1, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn about the history of PRIDE celebrations across Washington State and a look at items from the WSHS collections.
15th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Virtual Exhibition 1

IN THE SPIRIT Artist Awards

Jul 15, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Learn about contemporary Native arts and Indigenous artists. Celebrate the award recipients for the 16th annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts exhibition. Hear from the esteemed exhibition jurors and explore the art they selected