Highline Heritage Museum

Math in the Ocean
2026-04-25 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Highline Heritage Museum, 819 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA, 98166, United States
Join Teacher Nikki in learning about Math in the Ocean, a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on April 25, from 10:30 – 11:30am.
🌊Listen to an ocean story
🐋Count ocean animals
⛵Test which toys sink or float
🏄‍♀️and explore ocean activity stations!
Geared for kids 2-8 and their families, caregivers stay for the program, siblings are welcome!

Beyond Land Acknowledgements: Settler Stories, Rematriation, and Reimaging How We Think About Home with Dr. Natasha Varner
2026-05-02 14:00 - 15:00
Join historian Natasha Varner for a talk and workshop designed to explore the questions: How did we come to be settlers in the places we call home? How can we honor our ancestors while also acknowledging their complicity in systems of harm? And how can we move towards accountability and right relationships with the Indigenous peoples upon whose land we now live? Varner will deliver a brief talk about her own family’s settler history, then guide participants through dialogue and writing/reflection exercises. Participants can expect to come away with a roadmap for continued reflection and action, and connections with a community of people invested in doing the same work.

Bio:
Natasha Varner, PhD is a historian and writer whose essays and reporting have appeared in Electric Literature, The Nation, Atlas Obscura, PRI’s The World, Jacobin, and The Abusable Past. Her first book, “La Raza Cosmética: Beauty, Identity, and Settler Colonialism in Postrevolutionary Mexico,” was a finalist for the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association’s Best First Book Award in 2021. Recent recognition of her work includes a Roundhouse Foundation artist residency, a GAP Funding Grant from Artist Trust, and an Us@250 journalism fellowship with New America. She currently serves as Heritage Program Manager at 4Culture. Learn more about Dr. Varner and her work at www.natashavarner.com.

Let's Explore Washington!
2026-05-09 08:00 - 17:00
Join Teacher Nikki and Sami the Salmon in learning about Washington state, a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on May 5, from 2 – 3pm.

See how cities got their names,

Make animal food webs,
Play with wooden trains,
Follow the Columbia River,
And use map skills in a fun way!

Hands-on activities for kids ages 3-12 and their families.

Rooted in White Center Documentary Film Screening
2026-05-09 17:00 - 18:30
Free Film Screening – Rooted in White Center is a powerful testament to the deep-seated belonging of immigrants and refugees in the PNW.
The docuseries explore the evolution of White Center from its mid-century roots to its present. The docuseries is a collection of reflections from community leaders and nine personal narratives of refugee and immigrant business owners. The series is a powerful testament to the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of BIPOC, immigrant and refugee-owned businesses navigating the pressures of life, displacement, and gentrification in our unincorporated
King County neighborhood. By documenting these narratives, the series serves as both a legacy for the community and a call to action for equitable investment that honors White Center’s cultural roots. Produced by the White Center Community Development Association
(WCCDA) as part of the White Center Innovation Project.

A Musical Journey Celebrating 250 Years as a Country
2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00
Please join us for a musical journey celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary. We’ve selected
songs representing key historical events and eras:
• The Early Years, including the Revolutionary War Period, the War of 1812, and the 1837
financial panic when many Americans faced hard times.
• The California Gold Rush when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848. The rush lasted
until roughly 1855 bringing 300,000 immigrants worldwide.
• The Civil War from 1860 until 1865, when brothers, neighbors, and friends sometimes fought
on opposite sides of the conflict, ultimately putting an end to slavery and preserving our
union.
• The Cowboy Years, a 30-year period (roughly 1865–1895) when cowboys managed massive
herds, driving cattle across the Great Plains from Texas to Northern railroads.
• The Railroad Era – The expansion of the US by railroads, particularly between 1870 and 1900,
added over 170,000 miles of track, transforming the nation into an industrial power by linking
the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
• The “Melting Pot” Era (roughly 1890s–1920s) characterized by massive immigration and the
assimilation of diverse cultures into a cohesive American identity. This was eventually
replaced by the concept of multiculturalism or a “salad bowl” where cultures coexist rather
then blend into one.
• Popular music in the early 20th century included Broadway music, crooning vocalists, and
dance bands. Key influencers of this period were published sheet music, the “radio boom,”
the development of recording technology and widespread use of phonographs. The “Jazz
Age” of the 1920s brought widespread popularity to dance music, including the Charleston
and fox trot.
• Popular music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s saw the emergence of Rock and Roll, Folk Music,
and the use of Protest Songs to promote peace and social justice.

Don Jenkins performs in the Seattle area for the pure joy of making music for and
with friends and friends-to-be. He sings folk, pop, Celtic, religious, and country
music, covering such artists as Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, James
Taylor, Allison Krauss, Bill Staines, John Prine, Iris DeMent, Paul Simon, The
Beatles, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Loggins, Dan Fogelberg, Joni Mithell, Jim Croce,
Pete Seeger, Hank Williams, Sr., Steve Goodman, George Strait, Jimmy Buffett,
Paddy Reilly, Liam Clancy, Ian Tyson, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and The Everly
Brothers.
Don has performed at the Northwest Folklife Festival for many years and is
scheduled for this year’s festival on Saturday, May 23rd at 4:00pm in the Cornish
Courtyard at the Seattle Center.
He and a group of his friends, known as The Stringers, play regularly for the fun of
it and also, provide music for local churches and at private venues celebrating
special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and retirement parties.

Zentangle Art Classes
2026-05-17 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-06-14 14:00 - 15:30
Meg Steele is a long-time resident of Burien and enjoys sharing her love of Zentangle with beginners and experienced artists alike. Meg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a Master’s degree in Organizational Development. She retired early from a successful career in Human Resources having worked locally for Starbucks, Swedish Medical Center, and Providence Health and Services, among others. Meg is a Certified Coach and works with individuals in transition, particularly retirees, women experiencing divorce and empty-nesters. She travels the country in her RV teaching art classes and coaching and returns to the Pacific Northwest for the glorious summers. Meg is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and is thrilled to work with Burien Arts.

7Stories: Oh, Mom!
2026-05-22 19:00 - 20:00
Who hasn’t been held captive by a powerful story? 7 STORIES is a night of storytelling — to build community, empathy, and celebrate our diversity.
Each 7 STORIES night has a theme and storytellers sign up and are selected in advance. Real stories are spellbinding and raw. They are not a theatrical performance, but true life stories from your friends, acquaintances, or someone you have never met. These stories are told from the heart.
WE NEED YOU! Please consider sharing your true story…In the spirit of community and friendship. We will coach/help you as much as you would like. Sign up using our online form. To find out more about telling your story read our Rules & Guidelines.

Let the City Speak: The Sonic Journey of Quetzel
2026-05-23 17:00 - 19:00
On May 23rd, the Highline Heritage Museum will be presenting a free film screening of the documentary ‘Let the City Speak‘ which follows the journey of Quetzal, a Chicano rock
band from East L.A., whose Zapatista-inspired path led them away from the mainstream music industry to create a life of independent art and unexpected triumphs.
(2026 / USA / 80 Minutes)
After the screening, enjoy music from Quetzal in our parking lot!
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El 23 de mayo, el Highline Heritage Museum presentará una proyección gratuita del documental *Let the City Speak*, el cual narra la trayectoria de Quetzal —una banda de rock chicano de East L.A., cuyo camino, inspirado en el zapatismo, los llevó a alejarse de la industria musical comercial para forjar una vida dedicada al arte independiente y a triunfos inesperados.
(2026 / EE. UU. / 80 minutos)
¡Tras la proyección, disfrute de la música de Quetzal en nuestro estacionamiento!

Little Pioneers: Free Hands-On Activities for Kids and Families
2026-06-06 14:00 - 15:00
Join Teacher Nikki in learning about Pioneers, a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on June 6, from 2 – 3 pm.
See what life was like for pioneer kids!
🪀 Play pioneer games
🏠 Look at a pioneer cabin
✍️ Write on a real slate
🧹 Learn about pioneer chores
Geared for ages 3-12 and their families!

Patch Work Politics
2026-06-13 14:00 - 16:00
Patch-Work Politics, The daring story of Mrs. Bertha Knight Landes, who in 1926 became not only Seattle’s first woman mayor, but the first woman mayor of any major metropolitan city in the United States!
Since 1987 N.W. Storyteller/Actress Debbie Dimitre has been entertaining, inspiring, and educating audiences of all ages with her historical and dramatic storytelling presentations. In costume and by the glow of her kerosene lamp, Debbie brings to life women and young girls in American history through story and first person portrayals in a style that is uniquely her own. Some of her portrayals include such women as Harriet Beecher-Stowe, Nellie Bly, Eleanor Roosevelt, Annie Oakley, Grandma Moses and Rachel Carson just to name a few.
Debbie has performed for schools, Community colleges, Churches, libraries, book stores, historical societies, philanthropic and service organizations, professional women’s groups, retired teachers, as well as numerous retirement communities. She has performed for the Seattle Folklife Festival, served on a board of the Seattle Storytellers Guild, been a member of and performed for the Biblical Storytellers Network and facilitated women’s retreats.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) is proudly hosting this event in partnership with the Highline Heritage Museum. AAUW empowers women and girls by championing their success in higher education and pushing for bold policy solutions to create lasting change. For more than 140 years, AAUW has led the fight for gender equity in higher education and beyond. With a strong record of advocacy and action, AAUW continues to break barriers and defend the rights of women in education and the workplace.

More Than a Game: Soccer, Stories, & Identity in America
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:30

World Cup Watch Party
2026-06-21 09:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-27 14:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-11 14:00 - 17:00

Zentangle Art Classes
2026-06-21 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-19 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-07-26 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-08-16 14:00 - 15:30
Meg Steele is a long-time resident of Burien and enjoys sharing her love of Zentangle with beginners and experienced artists alike. Meg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a Master’s degree in Organizational Development. She retired early from a successful career in Human Resources having worked locally for Starbucks, Swedish Medical Center, and Providence Health and Services, among others. Meg is a Certified Coach and works with individuals in transition, particularly retirees, women experiencing divorce and empty-nesters. She travels the country in her RV teaching art classes and coaching and returns to the Pacific Northwest for the glorious summers. Meg is a Certified Zentangle Teacher and is thrilled to work with Burien Arts.
Holly Vedder is an illustrator with a playful eye and a love for bold, character-driven design. Blending humor, heart, and a touch of whimsy, she creates imaginative artwork transforming everyday letters and ideas into stories worth smiling about. With a balance of professionalism and play, she invites viewers into a world where creativity feels approachable, joyful, and just a little mischievous.

7Stories: On the Road Again
2026-06-26 19:00 - 20:00

Taco Festival
2026-06-27
A culturally grounded taco festival hosted at the Highline Heritage Museum that centers tacos as storytelling, and community identity. The event blends food, community voices, and cultural education into a public celebration.

The festival is not only a food event but also a cultural experience featuring curated vendors, storytelling, and interactive installations that highlight the heritage of tacos across Mexico and the local community.

Featuring:

Curated taco vendors representing regional Mexican cuisine
Story cards or QR codes sharing the origin of each dish
Taco Stories – Storytelling and community engagement activities
Live demonstrations (tortilla making, salsa tastings)
Pop-up exhibit on food, migration, and identity
Live musical performances
Educational tacos’ history presentation
World Cup Watch Party, starting at 2pm!

Frida Kahlo Festival
2026-07-11
The Frida Kahlo Festival is a cultural event hosted at the Highline Heritage Museum on July 11, 2026, celebrating the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo. The festival features art exhibitions, live performances, a Mexican art market, educational programming, and interactive family activities designed to engage the community in Mexican cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Featuring:

Traditional Tehuana Dresses Exhibit
Paintings Exhibit
Face painting
Live cultural performances
Loteria game
Frida Kahlo lecture
Mexican Art Market
World Cup Watch Party starting at 2pm – Quarter Final Match!!

7Stories: Animal Tales
2026-07-24 19:00 - 20:00

Multicultural Youth Festival
2026-07-25
Location: Highline Heritage Museum
819 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA

When: 1 – 3pm
A vibrant, youth-engaged celebration of culture, identity, and community. Hosted at the
Highline Heritage Museum, the festival showcases creative work from young people and
cultural groups through art, storytelling, performances, and interactive experiences. It creates
a welcoming space where diverse voices are celebrated and shared, inviting the community to
connect, learn, and experience the richness of cultural expression together.

Camping Then & Now
2026-07-25 10:30 - 11:30
Join Teacher Nikki in learning about Camping, a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on July 25, from 10:30 – 11:30 am.
Come see what camping was like for early settlers in this area (then) and listen to a current camping story (now)
🏕️ Play with a toy campfire,
🦌 Learn about forest animals,
🌿 Get excited to spend time in nature!
Geared for kids 2-8 and their families, caregivers stay for the program, siblings are welcome!

Why Do We Eat?
2026-08-15 14:00 - 15:00
Join Teacher Nikki as we learn ‘why do we eat’? This is a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on August 15, from 2 – 3 pm.
🍽️ Follow the path of food through our digestive system,
🏃‍♀️ Move our muscles,
🦴 Study our skeletons!
Geared for ages 3-12 and their families!

7Stories: Karma
2026-08-28 19:00 - 20:00

Firefighters to the Rescue!
2026-09-19 10:30 - 11:30
Join Teacher Nikki as we learn about firefighters! This is a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on September 19, from 10:30 – 11:30 am.
📖 Share a firefighter story,
🎶 Sing a fire truck song,
🧩 Play with puzzles,
🏃‍♀️ Do firefighter exercises,
🌲 Learn how animals help the forest after a forest fire!
Geared for kids 2-8 and their families, caregivers stay for the program, siblings are welcome!

7Stories: Lessons Learned
2026-09-25 19:00 - 20:00

Our City!
2026-09-26 14:00 - 15:00
Join Teacher Nikki to learn about how a city works! This is a free hands-on activities event for kids and families! The event takes place on September 26, from 2 – 3 pm.
🏙️ Plan a city with city blocks, roads, and cars
🏊🏞️ Would you vote for a park or a pool in your city?
🧩 Do puzzles,
🪀 Play games,
🗺️ Look at cool maps!
Geared for ages 3-12 and their families!
