1968 IN AMERICA

1968 in America is at the Harbor History Museum right now.  Don't miss it!  This exhibition traces the tumultuous events of 1968: a single year in history that rocked the foundations of American society. From the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the Vietnam War, the extraordinary events of 1968 witnessed profound change in social and political systems and confirmed to citizens of all ages that fundamental change was both possible and necessary. The Harbor History Museum is the only scheduled venue on the entire west coast for this exhibit.

1968 in America features four major themes: the Power of Idealism, the Power of Music, the Power of the Bullet, and the Power of the Press. Visitors to the Harbor History Museum will experience a variety of artifacts including photographs, magazine covers, political memorabilia, textiles, record albums, and other sights and sounds that explore this transforming moment in American history.

"This exhibition documents a pivotal year in American history," says Dee Harris, director of visual arts and humanities at Mid-America Arts Alliance. "It's much more than a history lesson. It's a message about how the power of idealism, music, press, and the bullet made fundamental changes in our nation in 1968, setting the stage for current events that affect America today." The exhibit will also highlight Gig Harbor's transition and growth during the 1960s.

1968 in America provides a 'sneak peek' of what is in store for visitors when the museum opens later this year. Professional traveling exhibits like 1968 in America will be featured in the Special Exhibitions Gallery.

The exhibit will be open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from January 30 through March 16, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm.  Admission is by donation. The museum is located at 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, Washington.  Call 253.858.6722 for more information, or visit www.harborhistorymuseum.org

The Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, dba Harbor History Museum, was founded in 1963, and opened a museum in 1973. The mission of the Harbor History Museum is to create opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities. We do this by collecting, preserving, and sharing this area's history. The museum provides a variety of public programs, exhibits, and educational outreach programs. 

The exhibition is organized and toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance and funded in part by National Endowment for the Arts. ExhibitsUSA sends more than 20 exhibitions on tour to more than 100 small- and mid-sized communities every year. Mid-America is the oldest nonprofit regional arts organization in the United States. More information is available at www.maaa.org.