Invitation:Washington’s Original 1889 Constitution Viewing

This modest structure is the Territorial Capitol Building in Olympia, where the original State Constitution was drafted and signed. Image credit: Territorial Capitol Building, ca. 1899, Asahel Curtis, Susan Parish Photograph Collection, 1889-1990, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives.

Greetings!

I would like to personally invite you to a significant event at the Washington State History Museum. For one day only, we are bringing the original 1889 Constitution of the State of Washington out of the vault to be put on display for our community. This opportunity is presented in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of State and the Washington State Archives.

Event Details

· Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026

· Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Free admission from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM)

· Location: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA

Highlights

· Opening: At 1:00 PM, hear brief remarks from special guests, including Lt. Governor Denny Heck.

· Q&A: Guests will have an opportunity to ask archives staff questions about the document and its history.

· Special Exhibition: Explore our special exhibition, An American Experiment (*Washington’s Version), along with additional statehood artifacts from the Washington State Historical Society’s collection.

This foundational document brought forth Washington’s statehood, and we are honored to share it as part of Constitution Day, the Day of Civic Engagement and America’s 250th. We look forward to seeing you there.

Learn More

Sincerely,

Nicholas Vann

Director, Washington State Historical Society