Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
USA
If you lived in Washington on May 18, 1980, you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when Mount St. Helens erupted, causing widespread devastation to areas of our state and dropping ash around the world. This year marks the 35th anniversary of that day, and the Washington State History Museum will commemorate the event with a collection of special guest speakers you don’t want to miss.
Artists, authors and volcanologists will share their experiences of the eruption and knowledge of the volcano today. The culmination of the “Living in the Shadows: Volcanoes of Washington” exhibit, which closes May 17, the Year of the Volcano commemoration is a chance for many of us to revisit a life changing moment in our shared history and a chance for those who weren’t here during the eruption to learn more about the event.
Speakers include:
- Atlatl expert Larry Nelson, who will discuss the atlatl in the Living in the Shadows exhibit and how the weapon was used by ancient tribes
- Mount St. Helens icon Andre Stepankowsky, the reporter whose coverage of the eruption and the mountain itself has spanned decades
- John Ewert, Scientist-in-Charge at the USGS-Cascades Volcano Observatory
Visitors can also participate in a volcano-themed scavenger hunt through the museum and will have an opportunity to discuss the eruption and their own personal experiences from May 18, 1980 over refreshments. Containers of ash from the eruption, jewelry made from the ash, and many other souvenirs of the eruption and the “Living in the Shadows” exhibit, including a limited edition “Year of the Volcano” commemorative poster designed by Native American artist Jeffrey Veregge, are available for purchase in the Museum Store.
