Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Cool things at the History Museum

No student should get a degree without going at least once to the Washington State History Museum downtown. And on February 18 I--and maybe you--get to go for free:

On February 22, the History Museum will host a lecture and gallery talk on the exhibit, Faces of Leadership: Presidential Portraiture. During the 45-minute presentation, curator Fred Poyner will talk about the presidential works of art on display and the artists who created them, including Seattle’s “first sculptor” James Wehn. A guided gallery tour of the exhibition will follow. Registration is not required. The program starts at 11:30 AM and is included with paid admission.

Faces of Leadership features more than 30 artworks and images from the permanent collection of the Washington State Historical Society, including sculpture busts, coins and medallions, and snapshots of presidents on the move. These creative works surpass mere physical representations, providing historical continuity and a visible legacy for our nation. The exhibit will run through October 2008.

The History Museum is also running a free admission promotion for Presidents’ Day. On February 18, in recognition of our country’s chief executives and their wives, the History Museum is offering free admission to anyone who shares a name with any of our presidents or first ladies. Only first and last names will be considered (no middle names), and identification is required. The museum will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM that day.

What, you don't remember President O'Neil?