[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2023 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov<mailto:derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov> Two New Exhibitions Explore the 150th Anniversary of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Tacoma and Acclaimed Ceramicist Ken Stevens Tacoma, WA – Two new exhibitions are opening on Saturday, June 24 at the Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> (WSHM): Collections Selections – End of the Line: The 150th Anniversary of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Tacoma and The Ceramics of Kenneth D. Stevens. [A picture containing outdoor, sky, photographic paper, track Description automatically generated]Collections Selections – End of the Line: The 150th Anniversary of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Tacoma <https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/northern-pacific-tacoma/> features a selection of original documents, photographs, and objects from the Washington State Historical Society’s collection. These items help provide insight into the selection of Tacoma as the coveted western terminus point for the transcontinental Northern Pacific Railway and its complex effects on the region and its people. “When reviewing materials related to the Tacoma terminus, our archivists uncovered several handwritten letters and documents, many of which have never been displayed,” said Lead Curator Gwen Whiting. “As part of this collections selection, we are bringing these delicate materials to the public for the first time.” The Ceramics of Ken Stevens<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/ceramics-stevens-2023/> celebrates the legacy of the internationally acclaimed ceramicist and long-time educator in the Department of Art at the University of Puget Sound. Stevens’ pieces are a unique blend of traditional Japanese techniques and science. As a former chemistry teacher, he was well known for experimenting with scientific methods to create his signature glaze finishes. [A close up of a vase Description automatically generated with low confidence] By studying ceramics in Japan, Stevens served as an important cultural liaison helping exchange ideas and form relationships between artists in Japan and Washington. Through his teaching, Stevens helped inspire the work of numerous ceramicists worldwide. “One of the exciting things about the Stevens collection is how it tells the story not only of an artist but of a teacher whose immense impact on the artists he taught has changed the history of ceramics in Washington forever.” Said Lead Curator Gwen Whiting. The Kenneth D. Stevens collection was generously gifted to the Washington State Historical Society in 2022 by the Ken and Claire Stevens Endowed Fund to Support Northwest Art. This exhibition expands on the collection preview that was on view from November 2022 through June 2023. Collections Selections – End of the Line: The 150th Anniversary of the Northern Pacific Railroad in Tacoma and The Ceramics of Ken Stevens are on view at the Washington State History Museum from June 24, 2023 through January 1, 2024. For more information about the museum, its exhibitions, and programming visit www.washingtonhistory.org<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/>. About The Washington State Historical Society The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all. The Society's most visible activity, the Washington State History Museum is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue among a thriving cultural scene. The museum features interactive permanent exhibitions about Washington's past in the Great Hall, unique rotating exhibitions highlighting the Society's collections, and dynamic feature exhibitions, and hosts events and programs on a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS also offers curricula for teachers, and statewide educational support as well as consultation, support, and resources for museums and heritage organizations across the state. Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Tues.-Sun. Free monthly every third Thur. from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Admission: FREE for members; Adults $14; seniors (age 65+), students (age 6-17) and military (with ID) $11; free for children 5 and under; family rate $40 (up to two adults and four children under age 18). Patrons with a Washington Quest card and licensed Washington Foster Parents can attend for $1 per person or $2 per family. FREE for active-duty military and up to 5 family members with ID as part of Blue Star Museums. ### Image: Terminus N.P.R.R., Tacoma, 1889, photographic image of the Northern Pacific Railroad headquarters and terminus at Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Washington. WSHS ID: 2011.0.159. Image: Vase created by Ken Stevens, 1988. WSHS ID: 2022.2.12 Derek Bradfield Nguyen Director of Marketing & Communications He/Him Washington State Historical Society 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-317-1273 Become a member! WashingtonHistory.org [signature_2960363777]<https://www.facebook.com/historymuseum>[signature_1516824854]<https://twitter.com/HistoryMuseum>[signature_1079339228]<https://www.instagram.com/washingtonhistory/>[signature_2868903667]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRXAl-JqixtE7toeX4BTrg/videos?view_as=subscriber>