Ciáran’s Cub Scout troop went on an outing a week ago to the Museum Of History And Industry, otherwise known as MOHAI. The museum has been a staple of Seattle for decades but I have never been. Not because of convenience, I just… never went. A couple of years ago it moved into a new location at the south end of Lake Union and while a bit more convenient of a location, it took the Cub Scout trip to get me there, and I am so glad we went. Easily a highlight of Seattle and the region’s history.
While he wasn’t sure he wanted to go, it didn’t take long for Ciáran to warm up to the idea. In the main atrium is a massive sculpture, Wawona, made from pieces of an old sailing vessel. Not only does it make an imposing figure spanning from floor to ceiling four floors above, but it is slightly (intentionally) movable, but more than that you can go inside the sculpture. This piece was instrumental in getting Ciáran involved and excited about the museum. There are some interactive exhibits in the atrium, sure, and all the kids were doing what they were supposed to with them and it was going well, but it was this piece which got Ciáran excited about what the museum would have to offer.
Another item Ciáran really liked was the slice of a massive tree. He asked to have his picture taken with it.
While there are some great exhibits on the first floor, the second floor holds the history. There is a lot of great history here, some from first-hand accounts, some with documentation, and some interactive. We could have easily spent all day here. Ciáran was so much more engrossed in it all than I expected him to be. I figured he would enjoy it, but not nearly as much as he did. At one point visitors are asked to help build the railroad. The scouts spent more time here than necessary – it was difficult to move the group along.
Among the artifacts on display is regional beer. Actually, I think these are all from the Seattle area. I know at the very least they are not from outside of Washington State. These are some of the other displays the Museum of History And Industry has. There are ones about the sports teams, inventions from the region, the “great fire” of 1889 (which is a musical bit and done quite humorously) and so much more. Sadly the music section is light, but I suppose that is due to the Experience Music Project being just a short distance away, but I have to say I was disappointed there was no mention of Heart in the display they did have.
Oh well.
Another interesting artifact found was a picture in the World War II era section of some Cub Scouts helping gather newspapers. It was a neat photo not just because it was showing Scouts in action or civic duties during wartime, but you could see various aspects of their uniform. We spent several minutes comparing the current Cub Scout uniform to the ones being worn in the picture. even the Cub Scouts that were rather antsy and wandering off began to come back and look at this picture even if just for a moment.
On the fourth floor there is a maritime section. not unpredictably the highlight is the working periscope that offers a 360 degree view. While you can not adjust the angle (up or down) at which you see, it does offer some great views of Seattle that you would not normally get to see.
Overall it was a fantastic and successful outing. I highly recommend going if you are in the area. It is well worth the price of admission.