Arts, Heritage & Science Week

February 4, 2025

Workshop: Out of Many, One: Engaging Your Community in America 250
10am – 12pm

As part of Washington’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026, the Washington State Historical Society invites museums to identify and exhibit an object or image from their collection that their community feels represents what it means to be American.  In this session, WSHS staff will explain how to participate in this initiative, offer suggestions for engaging with the public to select an item, and discuss how to use this opportunity to connect with Washington’s America250 themes, generate enthusiasm for local history, and deepen your organization’s connection to the communities it serves.   

Workshop: Advocating Every Day for Museums
1pm – 3pm
As we enter a challenging budget landscape at the state and local level, this session will discuss ways to make the case for maintaining and growing support for Washington’s museums. Retired Senator Karen Fraser will discuss how state budgets are passed, followed by a presentation from the Washington Museum Association on funding priorities for the statewide museum sector. The session will also include a discussion of simple ways your organization can build stronger relationships with local and state leaders and grow coalitions to strengthen our collective visibility and voice.

Tour: Olympia Armory Creative Campus
3pm – 4pm

Reception
5pm – 7pm

Join the Washington Museum Association, Washington State Historical Society, InspireWA, and The Burke for drinks, eats, and mingling with members of the statewide arts and culture sector.

To register for workshops and purchase a lunch, please visit the Washington State Historical Society’s website.

Advocacy Day: February 5, 2025

Advocacy Day is a great opportunity to talk with your legislators about statewide arts, heritage, and science issues and local concerns, thank them for their support, and share specific stories and highlights from our work in our communities, schools, and venues statewide. Visit InspireWA to sign up and participate in the advocacy day at the Washington State Capitol

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