Spokane Sea Services Museum [WA]

Description

The Spokane Sea Services Museum chronicles the history of the USS Spokane, a Jeneau-class cruiser that made its maiden voyage in 1945 at the tail end of World War II. The museum hosts an impressive collection of USS Spokane artifacts an memorabilia.

The museum offers exhibits and guided tours. The website offers basic visitor information regarding the museum, a brief history of the ship, and a photo gallery of the ship.

Fort Walla Walla Museum [WA]

Description

The Fort Walla Walla Museum chronicles the early history of the town of Walla Walla, WA, and the Fort Walla Walla military site. The museum is comprised of four exhibit halls and 17 pioneer buildings. The museum also maintains the original military cemetery adjacent to the park's entrance.

The museum offers living history presentations, exhibits, guided tours, field trip programs, summer camps, and research resources. The website offers visitor information and a listing of upcoming events.

Southwest Seattle Historical Society and Log House Museum [WA]

Description

The Society's Log House Museum is located in a renovated turn-of-the-century log structure which once served as a carriage house, or stable, to the Fir Lodge. The 1900s Fir Lodge was one of the first year-round homes built on Alki Beach and was owned by prominent Seattleites, William and Gladys Bernard. Today, the carriage house houses exhibits on local history.

The site offers exhibits, tours, and educational programs.

Museum of History & Industry [WA]

Description

The Museum of History & Industry, located in Seattle, WA, is Washington's largest private heritage organization. The museum itself focuses on the history of the Puget Sound and greater Pacific Northwest. The museum is also home to the Seattle Historical Society's historical collections and archives, including an oral history collection and audio/video collection.

The museum offers guided tours, exhibits, field trip programs, research resources, and professional development for teachers. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of the museum, an events calendar, several online exhibits, and access to the museum's research resources.

Bellevue Historical Society and Museum [WA]

Description

The Bellevue Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Bellevue, Washington. To this end, the society operates a historical center within the Spanish Eclectic-style circa 1900 Winters House, once home to a wealthy bulb farmer. The center interprets both socio-cultural and natural local history.

The society offers exhibits. The website offers historic photographs.

Fort Columbia State Park [WA]

Description

The Fort Columbia State Park preserves one of the few remaining intact coastal defense sites in the United States. The Fort was declared surplus at the end of WWII, and was immediately converted to a Washington state park. The park is also home to an interpretive center and a variety of nature related activities.

The park offers interpretive events, exhibits, hiking trails, and guided tours. The website offers a history of the park, a photo gallery, and visitor information.

Des Moines Historical Society [WA]

Description

The Des Moines Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage of the greater Des Moines area of Southern King County in Washington. The society owns and operates a local history museum, which serves to showcase the society's collection of local historical artifacts and documents.

The society offers exhibits and guided tours of the society's museum. The website offers a history of the area and visitor information.

Maritime Event Center [WA]

Description

The Maritime Event Center is a rental and special events venue which also maintains an interactive maritime museum.

The center offers interactive exhibits and both youth classes and tours about Puget Sound's maritime history, fisheries, global trade, and transportation.

Fort Okanogan State Park [WA]

Description

The 45-acre Fort Okanogan State Park is located on the site of the colony of Fort Okanogan, founded in 1811 by David Stuart of the Pacific Fur Company. The fort's name is derived from the name of the local Native American population, the Okinakane. In 1821, the fort changed ownership when purchased by the Hudson Bay Company. The site now includes an interpretive center. Topics addressed therein include the history of the fort and of the fur trade within the local area.

The park offers exhibits, group tours, trails, outdoor activities, and three picnic sites. Group tours are available by appointment only.

Island County Historic Society and Museum [WA]

Description

The Island County Historic Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Island County, Washington from the Ice Age through the mid-20th century. Topics given particular emphasis include maritime history, Pacific Northwest Native American cultures, military history, and the settlers of 1853. Collections and archives number more than 19,000 items. The society operates a museum of local history, located on the former site of the 1870 Mother Fay’s Hotel.

The society offers exhibits, one-hour to 90-minute guided tours for students, library access, and research assistance. Research assistance requires payment of a fee. Two weeks advance notice is required for all visits by more than five individuals. Some student tours include pre-visit curriculum materials.