Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

05/27/2026

We're one month out from Dine We Must ! Join us on Friday, June 26th for an unforgettable evening at Fort Nisqually. Enjoy a night out featuring happy hour with make and take 19th century crafts like candle dipping and soap carving, all while sipping on a glass of wine or cider! Then feast on a catered PNW meal from and dessert made in our period kitchen!

Get your tickets now! https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/dine-we-must-event-tickets

05/24/2026

Calling all Foodies! Join us on Friday, June 26th for our annual Dine We Must event, with a PNW catered dinner from featuring tribal caught salmon, and desserts made in our period kitchen, this is one event that you won't want to miss!

Seating is limited, get your tickets before they're gone! https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/dine-we-must-event-admission

05/22/2026

The Brigade arrives early this year! Join us on Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th for our 43rd annual Brigade Encampment ! Step back in time at this event that recreates the bustle and excitement of the historic visit of fur traders to Fort Nisqually in 1855. With games of strength and endurance, hands-on activities, puppet shows and more, this is one you won't want to miss!

Tickets are on sale now: https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/brigade-encampment-event-tickets

05/21/2026

Season 3 Episode 4: Canoe Journey - Part 1 is available wherever you listen to your podcasts now!

In 1989, seventeen tribes participated in the first modern Canoe Journey, the “Paddle to Seattle”, as part of the Washington State Centennial celebrations. This historic event soon led to annual Canoe Journeys and a cultural revival for Coast Salish tribes.

In this episode, participants share their Canoe Journey experiences, the history of Canoe Journey, and its importance to tribal communities and traditions.

This is part 1 of a 2-part episode.

Panelists include:

Brianne McCloud, Leimomiwaiwainui Canoe Family Captain, Puyallup Tribe of Indians and Nisqually Indian Tribe

Chester Earl, Director of Community Events, Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Marilyn Wandrey, Former Captain of the Raven Canoe, Suquamish Indian Tribe

Nettsie Bullchild, Director of Tribal Archives/Nisqually Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Tribal Elder, Nisqually Indian Tribe

Learn more at our tribal partners websites and fortnisqually.org.

05/20/2026

For our annual fine dining event, Dine We Must, we are happy to announce that we are partnering with a new caterer this year!

Natoncks Metsu, Feeding My Cousins, is a local small business owned by Chef Jason Vickers. We are so pleased to be able to partner with a local caterer who bases their work around traditional indigenous foods, and works to source his ingredients from other indigenous community members.

We are excited to work with Chef Vickers to provide a locally sourced and seasonal menu for Dine We Must that we hope you will enjoy. You can take a look at his website for more information on his business!

Dine We Must will be on June 26th, 2026, from 6-9pm at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Tickets to the event are on sale here: https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/dine-we-must-event-tickets

05/20/2026

Our newest building at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum has won an award for historic preservation!

The Clerk’s House is one of a dozen or so structures that help immerse visitors in the 1800s to experience life at the first globally connected settlement on Puget Sound.

The original building from 1935 had lost some of its historical integrity through patchwork modifications over the years so it was demolished and replaced to better reflect structures in the 1800s.

Last month, as construction of the new Clerk’s House wrapped up, the City of Tacoma’s Landmark Preservation Commission honored the project with an outstanding achievement award for excellence in historic preservation.

The project was recognized for “community efforts in preserving places and stories that matter to Tacoma and beyond,” Susan Johnson, historic preservation coordinator, wrote in the award letter.

An awards ceremony will be held Thursday, May 21, at Fort Nisqually. The event, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., is open to the public and will include light refreshments.

Photos from the Clerk's House Opening Celebration and Ribbon Cutting, April 16th, 2026.

05/15/2026

Rain or shine! Bloom or gloom! Tomorrow we celebrate Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Birthday regardless if the sun shines bright or if the clouds and rain grace our event instead.

Check out the list of timed activities here! There will also be plenty of activities going on throughout the day, so there will never be a dull moment!

Purchase your tickets online in advance or at the gate!
https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/queen-victorias-birthday-event-tickets-739884038

05/14/2026

Come work with us! Fort Nisqually is hiring a temporary Event and Volunteer Assistant!

The positions starts at $17.62 an hour and is expected to run through October 2026.

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $17.62. The current full hourly range for this position is $17.62 - $21.42.Join the exceptional staff of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum! The mission of our accredited museum is to engage a diverse regio...

05/13/2026

Have you ever wondered what different flowers mean? At Queen Victoria's Birthday this Saturday, May 16th, learn all about the language of flowers and herbs and make your own Tussie Mussie (mini bouquet) to take home!

Get your tickets now! https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/queen-victorias-birthday-event-tickets

05/12/2026

Want to go to Europe but can't afford the airfare? We're bringing England to you! Join us this Saturday, May 16th for a celebration in honor of Queen Victoria's Birthday! With bagpipers, tea parties, cannon fire, and a dance around the Maypole, you'll feel transported back to England in the 1850's.

Get your tickets now! https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/queen-victorias-birthday-event-tickets

05/09/2026

It's tea time! Join the ladies of Fort Nisqually for a tea party at our Queen Victoria's Birthday event next Saturday, May 16th! Enjoy a cup of hot tea and a biscuit while chatting with historical interpreters about Victorian society! Tea times are 12, 1:15, 2:45, and 4pm. Tea parties are first-come, first-serve, and are included in the price of admission.

Get your event tickets now! https://fnlhmstore.company.site/products/queen-victorias-birthday-event-tickets-739884038

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