WSHM Arch Washington State History Museum on Tacoma's Pacific Avenue 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

THE MANY SHAPES OF CHESS

AT THE WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

April 7 through November 21

TACOMA-March 3- International chess sets and individual playing pieces from prominent collections will be on display at the Washington State History Museum April 7 through November 21.

The Many Shapes of Chess features ornately carved and painted chess pieces representing various time-periods and cultures from around the world.

Among the artifacts on display are Alice in Wonderland themed pieces, a Nixon and McGovern presidential election set, and an ivory Indian set from 1880-1900 depicting a battle between Alexander the Great of Greece and King Porus of India, which took place in 326 B.C.

An estimated 1,400 chess players and their family and friends will be in Tacoma for the Washington State Elementary Chess Championship at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center on April 24.

“I hope the exhibit makes our guests look at chess pieces with new insight–what cultural connections, or what social commentary, do the pieces show?” said Redmond Barnett, head of exhibits for the Washington State History Museum.

Many pieces are on loan from the Maryhill Museum of Art. Organized by the Washington State History Museum.

For more information on these or any other events, exhibits or programs at the Washington State History Museum, please visit www.WashingtonHistory.org.

# # #

High resolution photos are available on our online image gallery, or upon request from Kimberly Adams, public relations coordinator.

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 Washington's history to life. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history since 1891.

HOURS- Wednesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday of the month from 2-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ADMISSION-
$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:
Kimberly Adams
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877

1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-3500
1-888-BE THERE
(253) 272-9518 Fax
More contact info