The West Coast Waterfront Strike shut down nearly 2,000 miles of coastline for three months in 1934, leading to the creation of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s (ILWU), with its own worker-controlled hiring halls. Join UW Tacoma alumnus and labor organizer Zachary Pattin to discuss how creating these hiring halls influenced the character and > 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

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

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.

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

On April 23, 1936, Reverend Sunya Pratt was ordained as a minister at the Tacoma Buddhist Temple. Local and national newspapers described the ceremony, calling Rev. Pratt the “First White Buddhist Priestess,” a label that later scholars have called into question. Yet at a time when few Westerners converted to Buddhism, let alone became teachers, > Continue Reading

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

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 [email protected].