TACOMA – Mar. 29 - What goes on behind the scenes at the Washington State History Museum? What
other treasures lay protected within its walls? Where did these artifacts come from?
Anyone who has ever asked these questions can find some answers in the new exhibit, Curators’ Choice.
The History Museum cracks open the proverbial vault as six of its Collections curators share their personal
favorites from the permanent collections of the Washington State Historical Society. This exhibit offers a
rare look at a wide range of historical artifacts, as well as some insight into the minds of the people who
care for them. Curators’ Choice will be on display March 29 through August 17.
The Historical Society has more than 90,000 artifacts under its care, each a small part of Washington’s
history. They mark momentous events, exemplify changing trends, and provide insight into the day-to-day
lives of the people who lived in the state at different points in time.
“This exhibit is intended to make more of the Historical Society’s collection available to the public,”
said Lynette Miller, head of Collections. “We hope visitors will enjoy seeing these pieces and finding out
why the curators think they are special.”
The pieces featured in this exhibit were selected by the six members of the Society’s Collections
Department for various reasons—some for their historical significance, others because they are personally
interesting, and still others because they are simply pretty. Thirty artifacts, maps, ephemera, photos and
works of art will be on display, including a contemporary basket made of dried orange peels, created by a
well-known Puget Sound basketmaker; a first American edition volume of the Koran, read by fur traders posted
at the Columbia River; and a lamp shaped like the Space Needle, a souvenir from the 1960’s Seattle World’s
Fair. Each artifact will be captioned with the curators’ own words, explaining why they found each piece
appealing.
Learn more about the interesting items on display by attending a Curators’ Choice Gallery Talk,
where curators and guides discuss the stories behind the artifacts and why they were chosen. Eight gallery
talks are scheduled throughout the run of the exhibit, with sessions every first Friday at 2 p.m.
(April 4, May 2, June 6, August 1), and third Thursday at 6 p.m. (April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17).
Registration is not required.
Curators’ Choice was organized by the Washington State Historical Society.
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About the Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located
at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents
exhibits, programs, and events that bring to life the stories of Washington's history. The Washington State
Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's rich
and varied history since 1891.
HOURS - Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours and free
admission every Thursday night, 5 – 8 p.m.; Sunday NOON – 5 p.m. During the
summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Museum is open on Mondays from
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ADMISSION - $25 for families (two adults and up to four children); $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60
and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always
FREE.
CONTACT – 1-888-BE THERE,
www.WashingtonHistory.org
Media Contact:
Marketing Office
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877
socialmedia@wshs.wa.gov