• The Tacoma Historical Society is a volunteer-supported non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Washington, and dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and presentation of the history of the City of Tacoma and its people.
• We believe a community and its neighborhoods are enriched and strengthened by awareness of their unique cultural, political, and social history. We strive to increase the level of this awareness for all persons who live in, visit, or are curious about Tacoma.
• We actively collect, document, and preserve artifacts related to Tacoma’s past from the period immediately preceding the location of the Delin Mill on Tacoma’s waterfront in 1852 up to the significant events of the present day.
• We encourage scholarship related to Tacoma’s history so that a significant legacy will be available to future generations.
• We disseminate information about Tacoma’s history and present programs and displays of historical personages, places, and events so that all interested persons can develop their understanding and appreciation of this city and its people.
• We partner with and support community and cultural organizations’ efforts which further the growth of historical interest in and awareness of Tacoma’s heritage.
  

The Tacoma Historical Society and its museum will forge connections between past and present generations, fostering an appreciation of the past and a sense of place within our community's history. This we will do by collecting, documenting, and sharing the unique and complete history of our city.