Out of Many, One
A coordinated exploration of the American experience through objects, images, and artwork from across Washington State.
About
As part of Washington State’s commemoration of America250, Out of Many, One (OMO) is an initiative inviting museums to partner with their communities to identify and exhibit an object, image, or artwork from their collections that reflects the American experience. Items selected by participating organizations will be represented on our interactive online map and be displayed in their community throughout the summer of 2026.
OMO inspires Washingtonians to explore the variety of American experiences through the lens of local communities across our state. The program is designed to help participating organizations engage with the public on Washington’s America250 themes, generate enthusiasm for local history, and broaden their audiences for future programming.
If you’re planning to participate in OMO, sign up below and we’ll send you information about upcoming office hours and planning resources.
Eligibility
This program was created by the Washington State Historical Society with museums that hold archives and collections in mind. However, the project can be adapted to work for a range of community organizations, cultural institutions, historic sites, and more.
To participate, organizations must sign up as an America’s 250th partner and complete the logo use agreement.
We encourage all non-museum partners to reach out to your local museums about collaborating on the project by providing publicity, community engagement support, or maybe public display space. You can also reach out to our team for ideas for how your organization can participate in representing your community.
Questions?
Office Hours
Dylan High
dylan.high@wshs.wa.gov
253-878-4011 (call or text!)
Allison Campbell
allison.campbell@wshs.wa.gov
253-878-4094 (call or text!)
How to Participate
Sign up to be a 250 partner! (NOW)
Additionally, partners must sign the logo use agreement to use OMO materials and templates.
Select your outreach items (Spring/Summer 2025)
Identify about 5 objects, images, and/or works of art from your collection or your community that reflects an aspect of the American experience. Consider highlighting a variety of perspectives that are not often included.
Subjects and topics to guide your search
Engage your community
- Creating a community advisory committee to guide your search
- How to run an active collecting campaign to gather new materials
- Partner with local nonprofits to collect/loan new items, provide exhibit space, and/or expand your reach
Present your items to the public (Summer/Fall 2025)
Identify about 5 objects, images, and/or works of art from your collection or your community that reflects an aspect of the American experience. Consider highlighting a variety of perspectives that are not often included.
One method could be to host a “Collection Election” through stations at community events as well as ballots available at your museum, library, town hall, and other public spaces. Or, get creative with other methods of interactive polling!
"Collection Election" templates
Onsite interactive polling ideas
Submit your community's selection
(November 2025 - February 2026)
Submit a photograph, description, and statement about the item selected through the public process via the online form on the website.
Exhibit your item (June - September 2026)
Communities are invited to exhibit their item any time during 2026, but especially during our summer commemorative period: June 14 – September 17, 2026.
(More resources for this step coming soon!)
