History and holiday magic unite at the Washington State History Museum during the 23rd Annual Model Train Festival in December. Bring your family, friends, and the railroad enthusiasts in your life to see this showcase of the most spectacular and detailed model railroad scenes in the Pacific Northwest, including the largest permanent model train layout > Continue Reading

Washington State Historical Society is excited to show our appreciation for our members with a special festive evening. Members can have the run of the museum on the first night of the annual Model Train Festival! Join us for delicious treats, surprises and fun! Members, kindly RSVP to Julia.White@wshs.wa.gov.

Explore how history connects us all during our Family Saturdays. Join a museum facilitator and other families in our galleries to learn about artifacts on view, then make something of your own. This month’s Family Saturday features Coast Salish culture and objects, including bentwood boxes, drums, and more. Activities are designed for children ages 4-12 > Continue Reading

The museum is free and open to the pubic all day in honor of Dr. King. See a small panel exhibition detailing Dr. King’s visit to Washington State in the 1960s. Join us in the auditorium at 2:00 PM when our partners from Tacoma Arts Live will celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a performance of > Continue Reading

Join exhibition staff and curators for a guided walk through of the new exhibit exploring the history of “Washington’s Alcatraz” - McNeil Island prison. Offered twice on opening day, 11 am and 2 pm.

An ages 21+ program. This is your chance to learn about Washington State history through tasting sweets, paired with craft beers and wines! Try dessert delicacies while learning from confectioners about the history and processes behind our state’s most well-known treats. From Aplets and Cotlets to Almond Roca, Washington’s candy history is sure to satisfy > Continue Reading

An ages 21+ program. This is your chance to learn about Washington State history through tasting sweets, paired with craft beers and wines! Try dessert delicacies while learning from confectioners about the history and processes behind our state’s most well-known treats. From Aplets and Cotlets to Almond Roca, Washington’s candy history is sure to satisfy > Continue Reading

FREE; please register. Includes museum admission and snacks; bring a sack lunch Scholars and interested citizens are invited to come together for an afternoon of collaboration to create or improve Wikipedia pages related to Washington State’s suffrage history. Learn from seasoned “Wikipedians” how to edit wiki pages, and work in small groups with women’s history > Continue Reading

All ages welcome! No cost to play. Test your Tacoma and Washington State trivia knowledge with the Washington State Historical Society, City of Tacoma Historic Preservation Office, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, and Tacoma Historical Society. Facts, fun and prizes aplenty!