On the Wagon Train! Illustration by Henry Chamberlain.
Wandering through Tacoma can be like time travelling with so many finely restored historic landmarks. Add to that all the classic cars driving down the avenues. And add to all that the Washington State History Museum. It is a massive fortress filled to the brim with all sorts of pathways and portals into the past.
Yes, I gravitated to the pop culture!
I know that I love novel uses of words and pictures. It’s not just because I create comics and graphic novels. As both a writer and artist, and as a lifelong learner, I have always cherished the unique place that museums of all kinds have in our lives.
Washington State History Museum
I am especially grateful for the Washington State History Museum as an essential resource for state history. It serves as the state’s attic, a very special venue for all manner of items, large and small, a place for careful study.
Watercolor painting of Chief Leschi
Museums are for all ages. It could not be any other way. Mentors and cubs alike make great use of museums. But it is no secret that museums hold a special place for the kids. The great push forward from one generation to the next must always include quiet contemplation amongst the artifacts of bygone eras.
A small drama plays out at the train set.
And when you come right down to it, I love good visuals, which this museum has plenty. And, among them all, I love that massive train set! Like any elaborate train set worth its weight, this one has some unexpected dramatic scenes peppered about, even an accident site complete with ambulance and accident victim. We can only hope it was a minor accident!
Train Set at the Washington State History Museum
The train set exhibit brings to mind a fellow who has dedicated a big portion of his life to creating what is probably the world’s longest and most complex train set display encompassing football fields of space. That’s Northlandz in New Jersey. But this is not a competition. He has his train set and this wonderful museum has its train set, which is pretty massive!
Brass Lantern Clock, circa 1630
Vintage Women’s Suffrage Placard
Washington State History Museum is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in the heart of Tacoma’s Museum District, adjacent to Union Station. For more details, visit the website right here.
That was great, Henry! I’ve never been to the museum, ’cause I don’t have a car, and can’t ever get to Tacoma. But I’m glad you got to go! Thanks for the story.
We took the bus which was actually very pleasant and fast! I love long train rides (I love to read, have time to think, look out the window) so this trip sort of satisfied that craving, although it was a relatively brief trip!
That is amazing!
Yes, definitely a great place to visit!
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Thanks, glad you liked it.