The history of Tacoma's Theater District is nearly as long as that of the city itself, spanning from the opening of the Tacoma Theater in 1890 to the present day, with restored historic facilities anchoring a renewed cultural district. This telling of the district's history recounts the boundless enthusiasm of the first residents of Tacoma, the City of Destiny, and the changing ways in which entertainment culture was experienced over the 20th century.

Historian Kim Davenport shares these stories through historical photographs of the theater venues as well as a myriad of cultural events. Join us as we learn more about the communities that worked together through difficult times to save and restore these historic gathering spaces for the benefit of future generations.

About Kim Davenport

Kim Davenport is a musician, teacher, historian, author, and the communications manager for the Tacoma Historical Society. Her work has been published by Arcadia Publishing, HistoryLink.org, THS, and TacomaMusicHistory.org. Kim regularly performs and teaches music at UW Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp