Washington State History Museum, Tacoma
The Washington State History Museum is headquartered in downtown Tacoma and operated by the Washington State Historical Society. Founded in August of 1996, the museum is a great place to visit for a fun and educational experience. While you look around the facility, you will get to learn a lot about the country. The exhibits offer an interesting opportunity to learn about the country’s unique places and people and how they have impacted the national and international arenas.
Perched amongst a thriving array of restaurants, art galleries, and shops, the WSHM offers fascinating exhibitions and objects taken from the Society’s permanent collection. There are also exhibitions that explore different investigative cases like D.B Cooper to the establishment of American football.
There are three permanent exhibits that the museum maintains. One is related to Washington’s history and its relation with the Pacific Northwest, containing relics from industrialization, women’s suffrage, etc. The topmost floor of the museum houses a History Lab, where visitors can research and learn history with a more practical approach. It also contains one of the state’s biggest and permanent layouts of a model train, covering an area of 1700 square feet. Other exhibits include:
Great Wall of Washington State History
This exhibits dives into detail about the engaging history of the Washington State via life-sized sculptures, videos, and dioramas. You can find 35 visually pleasing sculptures, all of which come with audio and video components for a fun history lesson. Here, you can learn about a range of topics, from prehistory to modern-day Washington.
History Lab Learning
This exhibition is targeted more towards children and students and provides a more hands-on approach to learning. It uses computers and other activities to learn history with photos, audio, and artifacts. You can also play historical games or listen to old stories. Due to its innovativeness, this program has received numerous awards from both the American Association of Museums and the American Association of Local and State History.
Model Railroad
Near the History Lab is the Model Railroad exhibition developed by engineers from Puget Sound Model Railroad to a 1:87 scale. During the first Saturday of every month, engineers run the model trains from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Real railroad rules are also followed.
Besides these popular exhibits, you will also find displays of Native American baskets and masks. These items were crafted a long time ago but have still maintained their beauty and intricacy. If you wish to take a breather, you can also head to the museum’s theater and watch a film related to the state’s history.
The Washington State History Museum also hosts a number of events all through the year. These include an art festival and a Model Train festival. The museum building can also be rented for private events, such as weddings and business meetings.
For an engaging experience, visiting the Washington State History Museum is a must. Once you are done basking in the country’s history, you can then go to a nearby restaurant or shop. There is a lot of casual flare happening near the museum, so you can conclude your day with a bang.
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