[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov<mailto:derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov> [cid:image007.jpg@01DAD2C8.6A630F60] The Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project comes to Tacoma Tacoma, WA – For a limited time this summer, the Washington State History Museum<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/> will host The Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/billy-frank-jr/>, which highlights a maquette (half-scale statue study) of the late Nisqually activist from July 13 through August 25, 2024. Billy Frank Jr.<https://www.arts.wa.gov/timeline-billy-frank-jr/> (1931-2014) a revered member of the Nisqually Tribe, was a key figure in the Fish Wars and served as the chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for over 30 years. His relentless efforts to uphold the terms of treaties and his pivotal role in the landmark 1974 'Boldt Decision' exemplify his commitment to Tribal sovereignty and rights. The maquette on display at the museum is a half-scale model (48”x22”22”) of the Frank statue that will be added to the National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, D.C., in 2025. Housed in the United States Capitol building, this collection features two sculptures of notable Americans from every state. Approximately three million visitors from around the world visit the building annually. In 2021, House Bill 1372 was proposed by Representative Debra Lekanoff to create a statue. The bill states: "Billy Frank Jr. dedicated his life to advocating for equality, justice, and environmental protections. He fought to protect tribal treaty rights, native cultures and traditions, and the natural resources they are based upon." The Billy Frank Jr. National Statuary Hall Selection Committee selected a submission from Washington-based artist Haiying Wu to create the statue. Wu has created public art installations and memorials across the United States and China. His work can be seen throughout the Pacific Northwest and includes his well-known Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Seattle's Occidental Park. The Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project is possible thanks to the support of Arts WA and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Get all the details for The Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project and more at washingtonhistory.org<http://washingtonhistory.org/>. Derek Bradfield Nguyen Director of Marketing & Communications He/Him Washington State Historical Society 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-317-1273 Become a member! WashingtonHistory.org [signature_3752228908]<https://www.facebook.com/historymuseum>[signature_1452730143]<https://twitter.com/HistoryMuseum>[signature_4256825344]<https://www.instagram.com/washingtonhistory/>[signature_1797874093]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRXAl-JqixtE7toeX4BTrg/videos?view_as=subscriber>