Engaging Exhibits: The Washington State History Museum

Posted: 
September 19, 2019

The Washington State History Museum stands out for its extensive collection of artifacts pertaining to the history of our great state. Located in downtown Tacoma, the museum is the best opportunity for residents and area visitors to learn about the history of their surroundings. Here’s everything you need to know when planning your trip to this landmark of Tacoma’s museum culture.

What Is the Washington State History Museum?

The Washington State History Museum is the premier destination for anyone interested in the storied tale of Washington’s past. Established and maintained by the century-old Washington State Historical Society, the museum is devoted to its core mission of preserving the history of the state while inspiring a passion for historical knowledge.

Washington State History Museum 1
Source: Travel Tacoma

As the Washington State History Museum is funded by generous donors from the local community, it is free to focus on offering the best possible experience for museum-goers. In fact, many residents are quick to describe the museum as the best of its kind in Tacoma and even the state at large.

What to Do at the Washington State History Museum

With many different subject areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In addition to a range of exhibits covering Washington’s history, the museum is home to events and festivities throughout the year. These events invite members of the community to share a specific topic or culture, and are well worth the extra planning required to attend.

Washington State History Museum 2
Source: Washington State Historical Society

Besides the many events, the exhibits stand out as examples of the ingenuity and vision that went into developing the museum. The museum’s Great Hall, for example, has stood for decades as a historical time-warp that takes visitors through a hall of sculptures representing the lifestyles of different eras in the state’s history. From the earliest native inhabitants to Washington’s colonial period, the Great Hall covers the full breadth of history in an engaging format.

Washington State History Museum 3
Source: Washington State Historical Society

For younger visitors, the History Lab can provide a full lesson in historiographical methods and concepts, making this a favored stop for teachers and other educators. However, any visitor to the museum can appreciate the insight into a historian’s viewpoint that the History Lab offers.

Finally, railroad enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive model train collection housed within the museum. A variety of train models run on carefully crafted tracks, allowing visitors to experience the rail history of Washington firsthand.

Exhibits change every few months, so be sure to check their website for the latest. Right now, there's an awesome moon exhibit for space enthusiasts who want to continue celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

There's a lot of awesome things to learn about Washington. If you have the time, make sure to stop by our local landmark. And don't forget to visit our Tacoma dispensary, another area institution that should always be on your list of things to do. Check out our online menu to see what's in stock today!

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