2013 U.S. Go Congress

The Burke Museum celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2010!

Members of the Young Naturalists Society founded the museum upon their own initiative and erected a museum building on the University of Washington campus to house their growing collection of natural history artifacts.

In 1899, the state legislature designated the museum as the Washington State Museum (which is now in Tacoma). In the following 100+ years, the museum continued to grow and flourish in collections and research, garnering worldwide recognition as a museum of natural history and culture.

The Burke acquired its current name and building in 1962, through a bequest from the Caroline McGilvra Burke estate in honor of her husband, Judge Thomas Burke.

The Burke Museum creates a better understanding of the world and our place in it. The museum is responsible for Washington State collections of natural and cultural heritage, especially the Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples, and sharing the knowledge that makes them meaningful. The Burke welcomes a broad and diverse audience and provides a community gathering place that nurtures life-long learning and encourages respect, responsibility and reflection. Although it is not on display, the Burke is home to the “Kennewick Man.”

Directions:

From I-5 South, take the NE 45th Street exit and stay in the right lane. Turn right on NE 45th Street and go to 17th Avenue NE (Memorial Way). Turn right onto 17th. The Burke Museum will be on your right.

Museum parking is operated by the University of Washington. Enter the UW campus at 17th Avenue NE. Go to the gatehouse and tell them you are parking at the Burke Museum.