Steilacoom Tribal Museum
Tribal History Museum
In 1987 the Steilacoom Tribe had the opportunity to purchase a building located within the Historic District of the Town bearing their name: Steilacoom. According to historical records, the building was built using materials from the old church, which was torn down; as well as timbers from the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was built in 1854. It became the new home of the Oberlin Congregational Church in 1903. The building was their home until they chose to build in a new location across the street in 1961. At that time it was purchased and used as a home for over 20 years.
The Cultural Center and Museum is located in the aboriginal homeland of the Steilacoom Tribe, overlooking the water of Puget Sound. It houses the Tribal office & archives; the Tribal Museum and Tribal Gift Shop, as well as our Fry Bread Café. It is also maintained as a focal point and place for our People to come together regularly throughout the year. It is our Home. Our Reservation.
At the door as you enter, in proud commemoration of our ancestors, are inscribed these words:
"The Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center is hereby dedicated in memory of the Tribal ancestors who walked here before us to be shared for all time with those that follow."
Tribal Chairwoman Joan passed away in 2006 at the age of 70. Up until just before her passing, Joan operated the Tribal Museum and Café six days a week. Since that time volunteers from the Steilacoom Tribal Council do their best to keep the Museum open on Saturdays 10am-4pm.
Steilacoom Tribal Cultural Center and Museum. Located in the Historical Town of Steilacoom, WA at 1515 Lafayette Street.
Hours of Operation
Dates Vary. Open certain Saturdays 10am-4pm. Private events can be scheduled (see "Group Tours" below).
The Tribal Museum is operated by volunteers from the Steilacoom Tribal Council. We do our best to be open on every Saturday; but that is not always possible. Follow our Facebook or Instagram page for updated information regarding our Museum Schedule and upcoming Events.
Current Tribal Chairman Danny with his Granddaughter Shianna. Storytelling together for the Charles Wright Academy in 2015.
Group Tours
Would you like to schedule a private Group Tour, Gathering, or Event for your business, school, or family? Send an email to SteilacoomTribe@msn.com with your request. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule!
Additional Information:
There is a non-refundable deposit fee of $50 to save the date for an event with us. This deposit will go directly towards the total end cost of your event. You can schedule a private luncheon or dinner event using our space; a private guided or self-guided Tour; a Storytelling Tour or event, and more. We may also have Steilacoom Tribal Storytellers or speakers who are available to travel to local schools or venues. Please share all of the details for your request in your email. We look forward to meeting you and to sharing our Tribal History. Thank you!
