About Us

Mission Statement

We are committed to creating exhibitions and learning experiences which will help visitors make connections between themselves and the world in which we live.

Our goal is to be a leader in participatory education for students, teachers, parents, and the community.

History

The Karshner Museum is a teaching museum owned and operated by the Puyallup School District. It was founded in 1930 by Dr. and Mrs. Warner Karshner as a lasting memorial for their son, Paul, who died from polio in 1924. Over the years, different displays have featured some of the more than 10,000 artifacts and specimens in the collection.

What Is Our Purpose?

The purpose of the museum is to provide public education through the collection, preservation, research, interpretation and exhibition of artifacts, documents and photographs. Our goal is to provide hands-on activities that encourage participation education for students, teachers, parents and the community.

As a Center for Culture & Arts we wish to enhance cultural awareness and promote cultural competency. We wish to build a culturally responsive learning community through creative educational programs offered for learners of all ages.

We believe arts education is vital. We believe the arts help students understand our world, express their beliefs and understanding; and develop essential skills that prepare them to become the innovators, problems solvers and collaborators our society expects.
The Karshner Center is also a venue for professional development and adult learning, but more importantly, it is a venue for celebrating student achievement. Exhibits and performances feature ways in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form of some kind.

Plan your visit to the Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts today!