Permanent Collections

Exhibitions and collections are the heartbeats of a museum. They tell stories of the past that help us understand the present and engage fully in the future. The best museums do more than tell stories, however – they engage the visitor in experiencing stories. We have a vision of an updated Permanent Exhibit that informs civic-minded decisions and displays that are dynamic, interactive, and sustainable.

We are committed to sharing the stories of all the people who have called Vashon home and of the Island itself. The geological history of the Island provides the background for all the stories that follow. From the stories of the sx̌ʷəbabs Native People of Vashon Island and the Puyallup Tribe to the gentrification that characterizes the Island today, the Vashon Heritage Museum provides a place for these stories. The Museum seeks to further the understanding of our past in order to help inform decisions about the future of our community.