In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington State Historical Society, History Museum, Research Center are temporarily closed. Facility rentals for private events have been paused until further notice.
In accordance with Governor Inslee’s Safe Start four-phased plan, we are making plans for the point at which we will be able to reopen. Check back for details on opening dates.
Staff are available during the closure and look forward to connecting with you by phone and email (please see our contact list).
Stay connected with virtual programs, downloadable curriculum, and more.
- Download resources for preschool and K-12 students who are learning at home on our History at Home page, and find additional curriculum here.
- Explore artifacts, exhibits and learning activities through the WA State History Museum’s free app.
- Look through the Historical Society’s collections in an online database: In the search field, type in your object or subject of interest (baskets or logging, for example) and see what comes up!
- Join in our live virtual Washington Stay Home Society programs! They’re free and our speakers often include a follow-along make-at-home project.
- Dive into a digital library of articles about the rich history of the Pacific Northwest in the archives of our award-winning popular history magazine, COLUMBIA.
- Tune into Columbia Conversations to hear interviews with historians from around Washington and the Old Oregon Territory.
- Contribute your COVID-19 story to our collections. Help document this historic event with digital images, ephemera or objects. Click here for more information, and thank you!
- Heritage and cultural organizations: We have a list of resources for you, and join us for Common Concerns live online conversations. Email allison.campbell@wshs.wa.gov to get on the Common Concerns email list.
Our Thanks
We are grateful to our program partners, teachers and constituents and we look forward to continuing to engage our communities in person when it is safe to do so.
Our heartfelt thanks to all of the healthcare professionals and essential services workers in Washington and beyond who are aiding the ill, working toward containment, and continuing to provide necessary services and resources. Our thoughts and caring extend to all those who are suffering as a result of this outbreak.
With you, we look toward a time when the coronavirus event will be history.
What You Can Do
We can all help by following the CDC’s steps to prevent illness. For more information about containment practices and updates, please see: