About Us

The Washington National Guard State Historical Society
and Washington National Guard Museum

The Washington National Guard State Historical Society (WNGSHS) was founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated current and former members of the Washington National Guard with a joint interest in collecting, preserving and revealing the history and heritage of Washington’s Militia and of the Washington National Guard. And further to educate, through informative displays and exhibits, the rich and fascinating stories of the local military men and women of the Pacific Northwest.

The WNG Museum is an activity of the Washington National Guard and the Washington Military Department and is operated under agreement by the Washington National Guard State Historical Society (WNGSHS), a non-profit 501(C)3 organization, registered with the State of Washington as a non-profit corporation. The Adjutant General serves as Registered Agent of the corporation.

The museum is recognized by the National Guard Bureau, the U. S. Army Center for Military History and is supported in part by annual contributions from private, corporate and foundation funds. The museum is a member of the American Association for State and Local History, Washington Museum Association, and the Pierce County Heritage Alliance.

Mission:

The mission of the Washington National Guard State Historical Society and the Washington National Guard Museum is to collect, preserve, display and interpret the historic properties and institutional heritage of the Militia and National Guard of Washington, so that departed comrades may be honored, present and future Guard members instructed and inspired and all citizens educated.

Legal Status:

The Articles of Incorporation (non-profit) were certified by the Washington Secretary of State on 1991. The Society filed its application and was granted Tax Exempt status with the U. S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code (1986), on 31 May, 1991.

By-laws:

Duties and responsibilities of Board officers and directors are described in the Bylaws originally drawn in 1991. The By-laws were reviewed, edited, and re-signed in 2018.