Washington State Historical Society facts for kids

The Washington State Historical Society is a special group that helps people learn about the history of Washington. It's based in Tacoma and started way back in 1891. This society is a nonprofit group, which means it uses its money to help people and doesn't try to make a profit. It also works closely with the state government.

Discover the Washington State Historical Society

The Washington State Historical Society is like a guardian of the past for Washington state. Its main job is to collect, preserve, and share stories and items from Washington's history. This helps everyone, especially young people, understand how the state grew and changed over time.

Who Guides the Society?

A group of leaders called the board of trustees helps guide the society. This board includes important people like the Governor of Washington, the Secretary of State of Washington, and the Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction. These state leaders work with four members from the Washington State Legislature to make sure the society does a great job.

Exploring History at the Museum

One of the coolest things the society does is run the Washington State History Museum. This museum is a fantastic place to visit! It has many exhibits and displays that show what life was like in Washington's past. You can see old tools, clothing, and learn about important events and people. It's a fun way to step back in time and explore history firsthand.

Sharing Stories with Columbia Magazine

The society also publishes a special magazine called Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History. This magazine is full of interesting articles and pictures about the history of the Northwest region, including Washington. In 2016, the magazine won an award called the Leadership in History Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History. This shows how much people appreciate the great stories and history lessons it shares.