The Washington State History Museum collects, preserves and exhibits art and artifacts. It operates a learning center that provides interactive exhibits for visitors, including ephemera, books, periodicals, people, maps and images. The museum offers facilities for meetings, parties and receptions. It also operates an auditorium that accommodates more than 150 people. The Washington State History Museum organizes various events, including Curators' Choice Gallery Talk Series, COLUMBIAKids Launch Party and Ghosts of the Great Hall. The museum is operated by the Washington State Historical Society, which is a nonprofit membership organization that collects, preserves and presents Washington's and history. Washington State Historical Society operates various museums and research centers for researchers, historians, scholars and learners.