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Tacoma Professor Writes 1st Chronicle of Early 20th Century Mixed-Raced Americans 05/23/2013(Tacoma, WA. –May 2013) — Until now, no one has examined the collective stories of the 20th century’s older, mixed-raced Americans. “Stories of younger people of mixed heritage are out there,” says sociologist, professor and author Cathy J. Tashiro. But, Standing on Both Feet: Voices of Older Mixed Race Americans takes the story one step further¯analyzing how previous generations worked to find their place in decades when their very existence violated entrenched societal beliefs and legally enforced color lines. “I heard many secrets during my interviews,” says Tashiro. “Until the 1967 Supreme Court decision, many mixed-raced couples defied the law to read more

Hand-stamped Charms Jewelry class 05/22/2013The Tacoma Metal Arts Center will be holding a hand-stamped charms class on Saturday, June 1, from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Students will be able to make unique, personalized, one-of-a-kind jewelry, to take or wear home. Finishing techniques; such as: oxidizing, sanding, and tumble polishing will also be discussed in class. The class is $35 and includes materials. Amy Reeves, owner of Tacoma Metal Arts Center and instructor for many of the classes, including Hand Stamped Charms, described the class experience: “It is a great low-cost introductory class for someone new to jewelry making. … It's fun and people usually read more

First annual Street Scramble Scavenger Hunt 05/21/2013A Street Scramble Scavenger Hunt will take place at the Washington State History Museum on Sunday, June 23, at 12:30 pm. The Street Scramble Scavenger Hunt is an educational scavenger hunt that incorporates downtown Tacoma as its course for trivia questions such as, "What's the historic name on the Key Bank Building?" or "Which of Tacoma's sister cities contributed to a garden at 7th and St. Helen's?" Participants register, start and finish at the History Museum, and they can compete by age brackets, as teams or individuals, on foot, by bike, or with strollers. The means of participation can vary read more

Tapestry Singers Spring Concert 05/16/2013Saturday, May 18, at 4 pm at the Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma and on Sunday, May 19, at 3 pm at the Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Puyallup, Tapestry Singers will be performing their spring concert. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations to support the operations of Tapestry Singers are welcomed. The theme of the concert is “Movies and Memories.” Selections from movies as well as popular songs from approximately 1920’s through today will be performed. Some of the concert selections will include: “Porgy and Bess,” “Oklahoma,” “Over the Rainbow,” “The Great Pretender,” “Some Enchanted read more

Empowering Youth Luncheon, Today 05/14/2013Today, May 14, from noon to 1 pm, the Empowering Youth Luncheon will take place at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center in Tacoma. The public is invited to attend the luncheon to raise funds and inspire low income and high potential youth in the Tacoma Public Schools to achieve their careers and life dreams. The College Success Foundation delivers a unique integrated model of supports and scholarships to ensure high school graduation and success in college. Samuel Smith, Ph.D. and President of the Emeritus Washington State University will be the special guest at the event, and Joyce Taylor, anchor read more

National Medal for Museum and Library Service Awarded to Pierce County Library System at White House Ceremony 05/13/2013On Wednesday May 8, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Susan Hildreth to present the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Pierce County Library System, and nine additional institutions in a ceremony at the White House. The National Medal is the nation's highest honor bestowed on museums and libraries for service to the community, and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. The Pierce County Library System was chosen as a recipient for its innovative programs and partnerships that serve and support an incredibly diverse community. read more

Cyndi Howells, Creator of Cindi's List, to speak on May 14 at Tacoma Pierce County Genealogical Society meeting 05/08/2013Finding a connection with our past is something that many of us are curious about. Finding the truth and fact behind those snippets of old family stories can be another matter. Finding out where and when members of your family moved around, married, died, can take an experienced hand. Having connections that are likewise sifting through old records can be a boon to your fact-finding missions. At the upcoming meeting on May 14th, the last before the society breaks for the summer, they are welcoming guest speaker Cyndi Howells. Cyndi, a local member of the society, is also a member of read more

LeMay - America's Car Museum: Public Opening of Legends of Motorsport: The NASCAR Story Exhibit 05/07/2013The story of NASCAR is one wild ride. The fans, the experience, the cars, the legends; not much matches it in the automotive world. While there are no NASCAR superspeedways in the Northwest, LeMay - America’s Car Museum is delivering the experience with a new exhibit opening June 2. The exhibit spotlights the 55-year history of NASCAR, including the drivers, cars and fans. The “Legends of Motorsport: The NASCAR Story” exhibit will open to the public Sunday, June 2 at 10 a.m. and will feature musical entertainment from Amadon and the Kim Archer Band throughout the day. The exhibit will give visitors read more

Pierce County Master Gardener Summer Garden Program for Children 05/06/2013The Pierce County Master Gardeners will be offering a free series of gardening classes for children through the summer and fall, to interest children and their families in the joy and fun of gardening. All classes take place in the Master gardener Demonstration Garden. The first of this series, “Is It Finally Spring?” will introduce children and their families to the changes of the garden, getting ready for growing. What is the weather like? Can we play in the Garden today? We will make tiny green houses from water bottles, learn about which plants like what temperature (warm and cold i.e. read more

Historic Homes of Tacoma: North Tacoma Highlights Tour, 2013 05/03/2013Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, the Tacoma Historical Society will sponsor the “Historic Homes of Tacoma North Tacoma Highlights Tour” featuring 6 private residences in the Stadium/North Slope Districts of Tacoma, Stadium High School, First Presbyterian Church, and the South Chapel (reception area). The six private residences that the public can tour will vary with age and style; from Victorian architecture to Four Square, Tudor cottage styles. The tour times vary, and individuals can take as long as they would like between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm on Saturday and 1 pm to 5 pm on read more