Track Sasquatch at the Washingon State History Museum

bigfoot, dynamic, feature 4, history, Museums, Play, Play and Learn, promoted, sasquatch, Seattle, Tacoma - By Jennifer Boutell on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 12:06

WSHM Press Release:

Explore the Sasquatch mystery in Giants in the Mountains: The Search for Sasquatch, on view January 23 through June 27 at the Washington State History Museum.

The exhibit examines how scientists attempt to explain and investigate the Sasquatch phenomenon. It also looks at hoaxes and popular cultural interpretations of this unidentified being. A look at tribal legends and masks provide yet another insight into this elusive creature.

This exploration of Sasquatch stories looks at the Pacific Northwest environment, which provides a rich setting for the folklore surrounding these unexplained creatures.

Physical evidence collected by anthropologist and famed Bigfoot researcher, Dr. Grover Krantz, and Discovery Channel expert and professor Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum of Idaho State University, will be on display.

In the Pacific Northwest, "Sasquatch," is a word derived from the Salish word "sesqec," meaning, "Wild Man." In other parts of the world, its name is Bigfoot, Yetti, or Wild Man. Definitions of the names vary, from "Ape Man" to “Bad Luck Spirit” and from "Big Elder Brother" to "Evil Cannibal Spirit."

Most descriptions of Sasquatch are of a "wild man" or cross between ape and human, standing six to ten feet tall, with a thick pelt, monkey-like features, and semi-upright walk. Those who claim to have seen Sasquatch often describe it as a nocturnal creature.

Tales of larger-than-life creatures and animal/man beings have been passed on for generations in numerous Native American communities. Tribal artifacts and artwork in the exhibit will convey Native cultural beliefs of Sasquatch.