Skate

Lace up your skates and explore the history of roller skating in a fascinating special exhibition at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. SKATE: Rinks, Derbies & Disco in Washington Skate History explores how skate culture and trends have reflected social and political movements, providing entertainment and community in Washington for over 100 years.

SKATE is an exclusive exhibition that opened on February 11, 2023, and will be at the museum through August 20, 2023. SKATE highlights objects, photographs, stories, and interactive elements from the Washington State Historical Society with contributions from partnering museums and many community submissions. The artifacts in SKATE span from early 20th-century endurance competitions to modern-day roller derby.

“The strength of community in skating is evident through our call for submissions,” explains Director Jennifer Kilmer. “We have had so many enthusiastic responses from skaters, not only in Washington, but around the country who were thrilled to see a museum promoting for what many people is a life-changing passion.”

The exhibit also shares context on how roller skating has continually pushed societal boundaries around gender, race, and inclusion. Guests will learn about the women who first dominated the sport, its place in the civil rights movement and its overall popularity in the community, technology that led to adaptive skating, and much more.

The Washington State History Museum hosted a public opening night reception on February 11. The event brought together museum members, exhibition contributors, and the community to celebrate SKATE. In addition, the event featured Lead Curator Gwen Whiting who presented on the history of skating in Washington. “SKATE is unique because something in it resonates with such a diverse group of people,” Whiting stated. “Roller skating with friends is an almost universally shared experience across so many divides.”

WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 10am–5pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Free monthly admission every third Thursday from 3pm to 8pm washingtonhistory.org