Bringing Joy for a Quarter Century: Washington State History Museum Hosts 25th Annual Model Train Festival

TACOMA, Wash – For 25 years, the Washington State History Museum has brought together families, friends and train enthusiasts with its annual Model Train Festival. Area train clubs bring their expansive amenities into the museum and set up shop on every floor of the building, and the cheerful sights and sounds of little trains fill the air, mingling with the excited exclamations of visitors. The 25th anniversary of the Model Train Festival opens on December 17, 2021 and runs until January 2, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note that the museum will be closed on December 24 and 25 and will be open on December 1. January.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve been doing this for a quarter of a century. It’s a testament to the joy that the Model Train Festival generates. We have people who came as children and are now bringing their own children, and those who have come as parents and are now back as grandparents, seeing the trains through the eyes of the younger generation †, said Jennifer Kilmer, director of the Washington State Historical Society. . “The only year we missed was 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. We are incredibly grateful to bring this event back to the community this year to share some light and happiness, â€she added.

A change for 2021 is the hourly ticket office. Capacity building is limited to support physical distancing recommendations. Members of the WSHS are granted free entry and there will be a members-only party on December 18. General admission visitors can enjoy the event at regular museum rates. The History Museum recommends purchasing tickets in advance, online at www.modeltrainfestival.org/. The remaining tickets will be available daily on site, as capacity allows.

Seven rail clubs will share their vast, highly detailed miniature railways with the guests. The museum’s mascot, Seymour History, will make special appearances (see the museum’s website for Seymour’s schedule). New this year, guests can collect collectible train club cards with every layout (and don’t forget the traditional train festival button!). The train-themed green screen photo opportunity, along with a separate snow-covered train depot, will offer multiple backgrounds for capturing vacation memories with smartphones. The museum’s Great Hall of Washington History includes the history of the railroads, and guests can also explore two brand new galleries that opened in 2021, along with the rest of the museum’s exhibits.

“There is something magical and nostalgic about trains that resonates with so many people. The annual Model Train Festival is a tradition our community looks forward to, and this 25th anniversary is very special. We look forward to welcoming everyone, â€said Julianna Verboort, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Historical Society.

Get all the details and book tickets for this event on www.ModelTrainFestival.org.

About the Washington State Historical Society:

The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all. The Company’s most visible activity, the Washington State Museum of History (WSHM) is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue. The museum offers interactive permanent exhibits of Washington’s past in the Great Hall, unique rotating exhibits showcasing the Society’s collections, and vibrant exhibits.

Address: 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. The third Thursday of each month: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., free admission from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Entrance: Free for members; Adults $ 14; seniors (65 and over), students (6-17) and military (with ID) $ 11; free for children 5 and under; family rate $ 40 (up to two adults and four children under 18). Guests with a Washington Quest card and licensed Washington foster parents can attend for $ 1 per person or $ 2 per family.

– Washington State Historical Society