As part of the New Deal, the US government took on the role of art patron, commissioning 1,100 murals and other works of art for post offices in small towns throughout the country. Between 1937 and 1942, 16 murals and two wood relief carvings were created for 18 post offices in Washington, including Centralia. This public art still decorates post office lobbies today as a reminder of each town's unique history and industry. Join us on a tour through Washington's public murals and learn about these artists from a time when art was supported by the government to encourage pride and optimism. 

Sharon Ernst has a master's in art history and a passion for the democratic ideals that drove the federal art patronage of the 1930s and '40s. She first wrote about these murals 30 years ago; then fate landed her in Lewis County where she can see a post office mural whenever she buys stamps. She dreams of someday compiling a book of all 18 murals and carvings to document the post office art of Washington once and for all.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp