Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) offers dynamic public programs, exhibitions, and special events that explore many aspects of Seattle’s past and present, from history and culture to technology and innovation.
Explore the museum’s programs and exhibits this summer. Weather the elements in July and learn how to dress for a city that is known around the world for its continuous rain. Enjoy a walking tour of Seattle’s historic department stores in August. Celebrate the tradition of hats in Seattle’s black community with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS) and MOHAI in September during the Sunday Hat Parade; inspired by MOHAI’s special exhibit Seattle Style: Fashion/Function on view through October 14.
SPECIAL SUMMER HOURS
MOHAI is celebrating summer with extended hours from 10 am – 8 pm on Thursdays in July and August. Note: Museum closes at 5 pm on July 4 (Free First Thursday).
For disability accommodations, please contact programs@mohai.org two weeks prior to the event.
MON JULY 8
miniMOHAI
July 8, 15, 22, 29
Aug 5, 12, 19, 26
10 am – 1 pm
MOHAI
Free for members; included with museum admission
Drop by MOHAI every Monday this summer for this hands-on program for kids 3 to 5 years old and their caregivers. Engage in a variety of interactive pop-up exhibits around the museum all about transportation innovations using sensory bins, dramatic play, storybooks, and more.
SAT JULY 13
Weathering the Elements:
Demonstrations in the Park
11 am – 3 pm
Boeing Centennial Terrace
Free
Presentations in the Museum
1 pm, 2 pm
MOHAI
Free for members; included with museum admission
How do you dress for a city that is known around the world for its continuous rain? Join Ably® and Filson outside on the Boeing Centennial Terrace for a free demonstration of unique fiber technologies. Pour water on a range of fabrics, try your hand at re-waxing cotton, and explore the waterproof properties of cedar and cattails.
Want to learn more? Head inside the museum for their Weathering the Elements talks at 1 and 2 pm and explore more of Seattle’s weather-driven history.
WED JULY 17
History Café
Exploring the Historic Ships Wharf
6:30-8 pm
MOHAI
Free
Join Seattle maritime history experts for a tour of iconic historic ships! The ARTHUR FOSS tugboat, currently the oldest floating vessel in the Pacific Northwest, and the SS VIRGINIA V steamer, a member of the region’s original Mosquito Fleet, are integral parts of local history. Begin the evening with a special presentation at the MOHAI Café about the wooden working ships that shaped our region, then experience these historic ships yourself with a guided tour of both vessels.
THU JULY 18
Working Waterfronts: A History Cruise on the
SS VIRGINIA V
July 18
7-9 pm
SS VIRGINIA V
$20 for MOHAI and VIRGINIA V members / $30 general public
MOHAI and the SS VIRGINIA V are proud to offer a special evening cruise through Lake Union’s shipbuilding history. Enjoy lively commentary from nautical narrator Joshua Heath while passing by icons of Seattle’s historic and contemporary working waterfront. Examine up close the tools used to create and repair boats and chat with local shipwrights. Beer, wine and snacks will be available for purchase on board the vessel. VIRGINIA V and MOHAI members receive 10% off snacks and drinks at the bar.
SAT JULY 27
Summer Saturday in the Park
12 – 4 pm
Free in Lake Union Park
Celebrate summer at Lake Union Park! Visit MOHAI and enjoy a day of free activities at our doorstep. Challenge your friends to lawn games, including giant Jenga and ring toss, while relaxing with festive live music in the park. Explore the Historic Ships Wharf, watch seaplanes take-off, and enjoy a bite to eat at the MOHAI Café.
SAT JULY 27
Maker Day
Rag Dolls
12 pm
MOHAI
Free for members; included with museum admission
Join acclaimed local artist Marita Dingus in making rag dolls out of reclaimed fabric, wire, beads, and other creative odds and ends. Visit the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit for inspiration to design your own Seattle style look for your doll!
THU AUG 1
Free First Thursday: Shift Happens—The Science of Seattle’s Earthquakes
10 am – 8 pm
MOHAI
Learn about the history and science of Seattle’s earthquakes, what the City is doing to reduce damages, and how you can make your home and family safer. Register your own earthquake on a real seismometer and speak with regional earthquake experts from FEMA Region 10, the City of Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Arrive early for earthquake story time and stay late to learn about home retrofit projects.
SAT AUG 10 & TUE AUG 27
Shopping in Style: A Walking Tour of Seattle’s Historic Department Stores
August 10, 10 am – 12 pm
August 27, 6 – 8 pm
$15 for MOHAI members / $25 general public
The golden era of department stores gave rise to Seattle’s still vibrant downtown shopping district. Join Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit curator Clara Berg for a walk through local department store history, from 1890 to the present day. Learn about The Bon Marché (now Macy’s), Frederick & Nelson, Best’s Apparel, Nordstrom and more! The tour starts in Westlake Park and ends with a complimentary beverage at Nordstrom Ebar. Dress up for this saunter through our historical grand emporiums but be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
SUN AUG 11
Working Waterfronts: A History Cruise on the SS VIRGINIA V
2-4 pm
SS VIRGINIA V
$20 for MOHAI and VIRGINIA V members / $30 General public / $15 Youth ages 14 and under
MOHAI and the SS VIRGINIA V are proud to offer a special afternoon cruise through Lake Union’s shipbuilding history. Enjoy lively commentary from nautical narrator Joshua Heath while passing by icons of Seattle’s historic and contemporary working waterfront. Examine up close the tools used to create and repair boats and chat with local shipwrights. Beer, wine and snacks will be available for purchase on board the vessel. VIRGINIA V and MOHAI members receive 10% off snacks and drinks at the bar. Not a MOHAI member? Join today!
TUE AUG 13
Eighth Generation: How a Seattle Company is Defining the Native American Dream
7-9 pm
MOHAI
Learn how local artist Louie Gong (Nooksack) parlayed interest in his hand-drawn shoes to create Eighth Generation, the fastest growing Native-owned business in the country. Today, Eighth Generation is disrupting legacy industries built on appropriated cultural art while creating opportunities for indigenous artists. Shop Eighth Generation products at a special pop-up display during this evening program.
WED AUG 21
History Café
Preserving the Showbox and Seattle’s Music Scene
6:30-8 pm
MOHAI
Free
With over 80 years of hosting top talent, the Showbox has claimed its place as a musical and cultural institution in Seattle. Performers ranging from Duke Ellington to the Ramones to Pearl Jam have graced the venue’s stage. Hear about its rich musical history and the efforts of local advocacy groups, historical organizations, and individuals to preserve this endangered entertainment venue.
THU SEP 5
Free First Thursday:
Celebrating the YWCA Women Who Dared
10 am-8 pm
MOHAI
Join us to celebrate Washington women of the past and present! On this Free First Thursday commemorate the 125th anniversary of YWCA and learn about Washington women from all walks of life in a display of photos and footage that highlight their stories and historic achievements. Add your own personal tribute to the inspiring women in your life to our community art installation.
TUE SEP 10
MOHAI Fashion Lecture: Secrets of Seattle Style
7-8:30 pm
MOHAI
$10 for MOHAI members / $20 General public
Hear about the process of creating MOHAI’s landmark exhibit, Seattle Style: Fashion/Function, and dive deeper into the exciting stories and themes the exhibit reveals. Learn from exhibit curator, Clara Berg, about her favorite discoveries during the planning process and explore compelling historical tidbits from key stories featured in the exhibit.
Member Happy Hour
Tuesday September 10, 6—8:30 pm
Free for MOHAI members with RSVP. Not a member? Join today!
Purchase program tickets plus Member Happy Hour online
MOHAI members planning to attend MOHAI Fashion Lecture: Secrets of Seattle Style are invited to a member-only pre-lecture Happy Hour with refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.
SUN SEP 15
Sunday Hat Parade with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State
1-4 pm
MOHAI
Included with museum admission / Free for MOHAI and BHS members
Celebrate the tradition of hats in Seattle’s black community with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State (BHS) and MOHAI. Stroll through museum in your finest hat, take your picture at a photo booth, and enjoy a special one-day-only display of historic hats from the BHS collection. Hear from two local black milliners featured in the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function exhibit, Henrietta Price and Sonia Wooten-Gill.
WED SEP 18
History Café
Black Women’s Legacy in Washington’s Workforce
6:30-8 pm
South Lake Café at MOHAI
Free
Join YWCA for a panel discussion about the experiences of underrepresented women of color in today’s workplace—and how Washington can take the lead in creating a new, truly inclusive vision. We’ll feature the stories of inspiring Black women who contributed to a stronger regional economy at a time when African American populations were denied the opportunity to participate freely and fully in the workforce. Arrive early or stay after the panel to take part in a collaborative art installation!
SAT SEPT 21
BIG MOOD: A Night of Fat Fashion
6:30-9 pm
MOHAI
$5 for MOHAI members / $10 general public
This night of immersive experiences, curated by Adria Garcia and Kim Selling of Indian Summer and More Fats More Femmes, features a fashion show, pop-up market, and conversations punctuated with live performances.
WHERE:
Museum of History & Industry
860 Terry Ave N
Seattle WA, 98109
T: 206 324 1126
