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Current Exhibitions

Tacoma Light Trail 1

Tacoma Light Trail

Dec 30 - Jan 24 2021
The History Museum lights up its towering front archways in a blast of colored light as part of the Tacoma Light Trail. The diversity of colors echoes the Historical Society's ongoing work to examine and highlight the history of all Washingtonians. The Tacoma Light Trail brings light art downtown. A Sound Trail pairs music and poetry with each light location. It’s FREE, and walkable or partially drivable every night. The goal: To uplift and unify our community at a dark time of year.
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

Remembrance

Permanent Exhibition
We are preparing a new exhibition about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII as a result of Executive Order 9066.
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.
Just the Ticket 3

Just the Ticket

Permanent Exhibition
Hop aboard for a journey through the history of railroad travel in Washington State! For many riders in the late 1800s and early 1900s, train travel was  preferred for long distances. This exhibition of rail travel posters, schedules, tickets, and train-related objects from the WSHS collections provides a glimpse of how and why passengers traveled. Visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma for this holiday season highlight, and see our massive model train layout too!

Upcoming Exhibitions

Handstitched Worlds 1

Handstitched Worlds

Sep 17 - Jan 24 2022
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