Capital Museum entrance Permanent Exhibit at State Capital Museum color block Capital Museum interior Capital Museum gift shop color block Capital Musem window

School Field Trips

  • Tours of the State Capital Museum are offered Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM, with advanced reservations.
  • Tours range 1-2 hours, depending on the group's needs.
  • Group tour minimum size is 10. Maximum group size on premises at one time is 100.
  • Visitor Rates -
    • Students (ages 6-18):$1.00 each
    • Adults: $2.00
    • Senior citizens: $1.75
    • Student group rates: For every 5 students, 1 adult will be admitted free of charge.
  • Reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance.

Call Susan Rohrer at (360) 753-2580 or email srohrer@wshs.wa.gov to make your reservations.

2008-2009 School Programs
Enrichment Classes:
Planning Your Visit

As part our education museum visit program, we also offer EXHIBIT ENRICHMENT CLASSES designed to enhance students understanding of museum exhibits and historical concepts. The classes are created and taught by professional artists and historians. You may select from the following classes:

From Lewis & Clark to Medicine Creek:
The Encounter of Two Worlds

This slide-illustrated class will help students understand the importance of the encounter between the Native tribes of the northwest and the Lewis and Clark expedition. The men of the exploring party found the region controlled by Native Americans, who were closely attuned to the natural environment. In a real sense, Lewis and Clark were guests of the Indians, dependent upon them for supplies and information.

Expert regional historian Drew Crooks will explain how the meeting of two worlds changed forever the lives of real people from different cultural backgrounds. Students will learn that decisions in the nineteenth century had consequences that continue to the present day.
More Information

Legends of the Long House

Master Basket Weaver Harvest Moon presents a selection of classes and weaving lessons at the museum including Legends of the Long House, Mother Earth Games & Legends, and Basketweaving Past & Future. Using natural materials, students will weave and learn about the history of Northwest Native American basketweaving and the rituals of gathering materials.

Learn about the connection between the natural world and games that hold a special relationship to the social and spiritual life of the tribe. The classes are interwoven with humor, legends, songs, and special hands-on artifacts. Cattail figure making is recommend for grades through 3, mat weaving and simple baskets for grades 4 and above.
More Information

State Capital Museum and Outreach Center
211 SW 21st Avenue
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 753-2580
More contact info