Washington Stories
A project of Humanities Washington in collaboration with the Ethnic Heritage Council of the Pacific Northwest.

Introduction
Nearly 6 million people reside in Washington State. Who are we and where did we come from? How did we come to be Washingtonians?

Humanities Washington, in partnership with the Ethnic Heritage Council and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), launched Washington Stories this spring to answer these questions. A special exhibit project funded through a National Endowment for the Humanities' We the People grant, Washington Stories tells stories of seven ethnic and tribal groups in a traveling exhibit, and will connect these small grassroots organizations with resources and technical assistance.

Each of the seven groups worked with MOHAI and Humanities Washington staff over the summer of 206 to research and design two exhibit panels each. The complete group of panels is currently touring throughout the state of Washington.

The Washington Stories Groups

Black Historical Society of Kitsap County
Through the "Sinclair Park Project," the Black Historical Society of Kitsap County is researching the story of African Americans who migrated to Kitsap County during World War II to work in the defense industry.

Arab Center of Washington
The Arab Center of Washington's research features the stories and faces of local citizens who contribute to their ethnic communities and our state.

Croatian Fraternal Union
In the early 1890s, Croatians immigrated to Washington, bringing with them maritime skills that enabled them to become leaders in the fisheries and boat-building industries from Anacortes down to Gig Harbor. The Croatian Fraternal Union's research will tell the story of Croatian contributions to the maritime industries.

Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
The Washington Stories Project will help tell the stories of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal elders using archived materials placed in family groupings and historical subject matters such as life ways, song and dance, language, stories and teaching practices.

Puget Sound Welsh Association
The Welsh Association's research will tell the story of Washington's Welsh communities from Conway (founded by a native of Conway, Wales) to the mines of Black Diamond.

Tar Heels Roots Project/Lincoln Theatre Foundation
A wave of immigrants from North Carolina, known as Tar Heels, arrived in Skagit County in the early 1900s to work in coal, logging and, later, agricultural fields. The "Tar Heels Roots project" is the first documentation of the history and culture of these migrants to Washington State.