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[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2024 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> New exhibition explores our history with the Columbia River June 2 – October 27, 2024 [A poster of a river and a windmill Description automatically generated]<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/big-river/> Tacoma, WA – Take a journey down the Columbia River at the Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> through the new exhibition Big River: The Columbia's Many Meanings<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/big-river/>. The exhibition tells the river's story through the eyes of the many people who have traveled, worked, and lived along its waters. Spanning from the Canadian Rockies through Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean, discover the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest. Big River will be on view from June 2 through October 27, 2024. Big River offers guests an immersive experience through a showcase of photographs, artwork, artifacts, and interactive elements. Narratives from the perspectives of Native communities, explorers, policymakers, industrialists, and more help illustrate the varying and complex aspects of life and significant events on the Columbia River throughout history. "The exhibit illustrates many of the historic relationships that Northwesterners have had with the river, from time immemorial to the recent past," said curator Katy Barber. "I hope visitors deepen their understanding of the river's significance to us all and leave with a sense of reverence, hope, and investment in the future of the Big River." The exhibition explores the significance of the Columbia River to the people of our region through four major themes: as a transportation route, as a provider of food and resources, as an energy source, and as a home. These themes detail how the Columbia River has been a lifeline for many, connecting communities, providing traditional foods and medicines, and serving as an economic engine. As more people than ever call the Northwest home, how will the river evolve next? The Big River exhibition is made possible by the HD Fowler Company, committed to local communities' arts, culture, and history for over 100 years. Get all the details for Big River: The Columbia's Many Meanings and more at washingtonhistory.org<http://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 five family members with ID as part of Blue Star Museums. 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_3615375354]<https://www.facebook.com/historymuseum>[signature_697439533]<https://twitter.com/HistoryMuseum>[signature_2164786488]<https://www.instagram.com/washingtonhistory/>[signature_480783980]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRXAl-JqixtE7toeX4BTrg/videos?view_as=subscriber>