Presentation coincides with Asahel Curtis lantern slide exhibit
OLYMPIA – Sept. 1, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) invite the public to a special presentation on the legacy of Great Depression-era work relief programs on Washington’s state parks.
The presentation, “A New Deal for Washington’s State Parks” starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. (Directions: www.washingtonhistory.org/visit/wshm/directions/)
Ryan Karlson, interpretive program manager at State Parks, will provide greater context and a historical perspective on the current exhibit, Washington State Parks Through the Lens of Asahel Curtis, on display in the museum’s Community Gallery. Karlson will highlight a unique chapter in Washington's Great Depression-era history and describe how the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration work-relief programs rapidly transformed Washington's state park system into one of the most diverse in the nation.
Entrance to the Museum is free from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, as it is on the third Thursday of each month. For hours and rates for other days, visit http://www.washingtonhistory.org/visit/wshm/
For more information about the exhibit, Washington State Parks Through the Lens of Asahel Curtis, download State Parks’ news release at: http://www.parks.wa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=162
For more information, contact Dave Beals, dave.beals@wshs.wa.gov or 253-798-5879.
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About the Washington State Historical Society
Founded in 1891 and now in its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history. The Historical Society comprises a family of museums and research centers, offering a variety of services to researchers, historians, scholars and lifelong learners. The Historical Society connects personal, local, regional and national stories to the universality of the human experience—and collects materials from our state that help tell those stories. The Historical Society aims to be indispensable to the people of Washington and a vital part of state government.
Contact the museum at 1-888-BE-THERE or log on to www.WashingtonHistory.org. Admission is $11/adults, $8 students/seniors/military. Follow the Washington State History Museum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/historymuseum or on Twitter @HistoryMuseum.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Ryan Karlson, (360) 902-8650
Kim Wirtz, WA State Historical Society, (253) 798-5902
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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