What can you see at the History Museum?

From February 10 to July 8, 2024, the History Museum will display the original, hand-written Article III of the 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty that guaranteed fishing rights to Tribal Treaty signers. This historic document, on loan from the National Archives and Records Administration, remains a powerful reminder of the complexity of the Native American experience—loss, resilience, and triumph across generations of struggle to maintain culture and identity.

This exhibition focuses on the story of the Native fishing rights movement in Washington State and marks the fiftieth anniversary of the landmark 1974 Boldt Decision. Through artifacts, photos and footage, learn about how tribal people and nations resisted termination policies and fought for treaty-protected fishing access, cultural survival, and sovereignty—with impacts still felt today. 

Journeys of transformation—personal, cultural, historic—are captured in this collection of fiber works by artists from two local groups. The contemporary quilts in this juried exhibition portray movement, change, and growth as seen through each creator's eyes. Stitching together narratives and moments, the works invite exploration of stories, from the intimate to the conceptual.

Big River tells the story of the Columbia River through the eyes of the many people who have traveled, worked, and lived on and near its waters. See the Pacific Northwest's largest river system as you've never seen it before.

IN THE SPIRIT is an annual summer celebration of diverse Native American arts and culture, including a juried exhibition at the Washington State History Museum, an Artist Awards event, artist talks, and an indoor/outdoor community festival with an arts market.