The Suquamish Museum: Honoring Traditions

Images courtesy of the Suquamish Museum.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month and in recognition of the Suquamish Tribe today and every day, we’re highlighting an incredible local attraction and resource: Suquamish Museum.

The Suquamish Tribe has lived here for centuries, long before settlers arrived. Their history is scattered across this region, and locals and visitors have the unique opportunity to visit Suquamish Museum to learn more about their history, traditions, upcoming events, local artisans, and more. 

An Immersive Learning Experience

This museum is a cornerstone attraction that sits in the heart of Suquamish Village on the Port Madison Reservation. Opened in 2012, the museum features two exhibit galleries, an educational classroom space, a research space, a museum store, and beautiful grounds with a storytelling area.  The Suquamish Museum staff often plan and host various educational workshops that are all free with general admission. 

The first gallery houses a permanent exhibit, Ancient Shores – Changing Tides. Upon entering the gallery, visitors can experience an interactive exhibition. It engages the senses to provide a window into Suquamish culture and traditions. The display integrates Lushootseed, the language of the Suquamish tribe. This helps visitors gain a better understanding of the Suquamish’s way of life. 

Current Featured Exhibit and Museum Guidelines

The second gallery rotates through different exhibits to feature specific historical events, customs and traditions, and pieces from Native artists. Their latest exhibit features art from Joes Ives. Ives is from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in Kingston. His mask carvings and designs have been used by his family and neighbors to illustrate traditional S’Klallam stories that have been passed down for centuries. 

Due to COVID-19, the museum hours are now Friday – Sunday from 10 AM – 4 PM and are by appointment only with a maximum of 5 people per group. To further protect the community, the museum requires visitors to complete a non-invasive temperature check and questionnaire on arrival. 

Info courtesy of Suquamish Museum.

Leota Anthony Museum Store & Current Sale

The museum’s gift shop, the Leota Anthony Museum Store, has a Black Friday sale going on until November 30, 2020. Suquamish Tribal households and Museum Friends get 30% off of their purchase. You can virtually walk through the store and find wonderful holiday gifts. If you aren’t part of the Museum Friends Program, there are different membership packages ranging from $15 for individuals to $40 for couples. They all include free membership, a 10% store discount, special invitations, and more. For more information, contact Casey Lewis: clewis@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8499.

Nearby Historical Sites

There are a variety of historical attractions steps away from the museum, including Chief Seattle’s gravesite, Suquamish Veterans Memorial, House of Awakened Culture, and Old Man House Park. Walking through this beautiful, historic area is an inspiring privilege that locals and tourists will benefit from. As their neighbors, we are grateful for the museum, their traditions, and celebrations.