WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

Featured Exhibit

Faces of Leadership: Presidential Portraiture

Ended January 11, 2009

President Roosevelt
The 32nd President of the United States speaks
in Tacoma, WA during a visit in October, 1937.

(Washington State Historical Society)

The faces of United States Presidents are ingrained in our national culture and consciousness, passing from generation to generation of Americans since the founding of the country in 1776.

Over time, artists far and wide have endeavored to capture, preserve, and publicly display these Presidents, in creative works which have often surpassed mere physical representation in the portrayal of each figure.

These portraits range from sculpture busts akin to a Roman classical style, to coins and medallions from the last 150 years, to cameo photography snapshots of the nation's Presidents on the move, with 26 artworks and nine historic photography images presented on display for visitors at the Washington State History Museum's Inviting the Spirit gallery.

Faces of Leadership: Presidential Portraiture will be on display through Jan. 11. Organized by the Washington State Historical Society.

Thomas Jefferson Medal
Commemorative medal designed by Sidney Waugh and issued for the Hall of Great Americans at New York University, 1963. (Washington State Historical Society)
Theodore Roosevelt
Signed portrait of Theodore Roosevelt. 1909.(Washington State Historical Society)
Abraham Lincoln holding the Emancipation Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln holding the Emancipation Proclamation. By James A. Wehn, sculptor, American. 1891.(Washington State Historical Society)
Washington State History Museum Logo
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-3500
1-888-BE THERE
(253) 272-9518 Fax
More contact info