In addition to our Permanent Exhibit,
the museum mounts special exhibits approximately twice a year, which focus on a particular aspect of Vashon history, often partnering with other Island and
regional organizations. 

Special Exhibits

“We the People, the Gib Dammann Political Memorabilia Collection,” July 2024-February 2025.

An Island Revered: Honor and Friendship

THROUGH
February 1, 2026

Our current special exhibit is called “An Island Revered: Honor and Friendship, the sx̌ʷəbabš and Sherman Family Collection.” It is co-curated by sixth-generation Islander Jim Sherman and Puyallup Tribal Director of Historic Preservation, Brandon Reynon. The exhibit showcases sx̌ʷəbabš paddles, points, baskets, bowls, and a variety of tools that were collected and carefully preserved by members of the Sherman family over the generations, some as gifts from their Native friends and some as found objects. The exhibit will remain open until February 1, 2026.

Jim Sherman holding Native wooden bowl found by his son in a muddy creek bed on family property.

Past Special Exhibits

Since opening in 2003, the Vashon Heritage Museum has mounted nearly forty special exhibits. Below is a small sampling to give
an idea of the range of stories we have chosen to tell. 

  • Natural Wonder

    AN ISLAND SHAPED BY WATER, 2023

    A collaboration with Vashon Nature Center, co-curated by Vashon Nature Center and Vashon Heritage Museum, designed by Jenna Riggs. “Community Garden Award,” Vashon-Maury Island Garden Club.

  • In and Out

    BEING LGBTQ ON VASHON, 2019

    A collaboration with the Vashon Gay Pride Alliance, curated by Ellen Kritzman and Stephen Silha, designed by Jessica DeWire, “Award of Excellence,” American Association for State and Local History (AASLH); “Exhibit Award,” Association of King County Historical Organizations.

  • Joy and Heartache

    VASHON’S JAPANESE AMERICAN LEGACY, 2017

    Curated by Rita Brogan, Bruce Haulman, Alice Larson, Joe Okimoto, and Meredith Yasui, designed by Royce Wall.

  • Vashon's Native People

    NAVIGATING SEAS OF CHANGE, 2014

    A collaboration with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, curated
    by Laurie Tucker and Rayna Holtz. Designed by Scott Jones and Yvonne Lever. “Award of Merit,” American Association for State and Local History (AASLH); “Award of Excellence,” Washington Museums Association; “Peace & Friendship Award” to Laurie Tucker, Rayna Holtz, and Brandon Reynon, Washington State Historical Society. 

  • Vashon 1885

    THE EARLY SETTLERS

    Designed by Royce Wall and Jessica DeWire. In honor of one of the first families to homestead on Vashon, this exhibit featured an extensive family tree illustrating the branches of the Sherman family. Also included were eight other families who settled on the Island by 1885, and whose descendants still reside on Vashon.

  • Home of Record

    VASHON AND THE VIETNAM WAR, 2011

    Curated by Christopher Gaynor, Exhibit Chair Bruce Haulman, designed by Jessica DeWire. “Exhibit Award,” Association of King County Historical Organizations; “Recognition,” Association of Washington Generals.