All Day

Legends + Lore of Port Townsend Walking Tour

Located on the ancestral lands of the S’Klallam peoples, Port Townsend rose to prominence in the late 19th century as one of the busiest seaports on the West Coast—teeming with sailors and immigrants and dotted with mercantiles, saloons, factories, hotels, and brothels. Drawing from some of the more infamous, mysterious, and salacious stories in Port Townsend’s history, this tour through the picturesque downtown district will offer participants a glimpse into how documents, photos, physical evidence, and stories passed down all play into how we discern fact from fiction. 0.75 mile walking tour with seven stops Saturdays in July and August at 2pm Preregistration is required Route is mostly flat and is ADA-accessible Max capacity per tour: 12 $16 for members, $20 for non-members (unsure if your membership is current? Check your membership card or email membership@jchsmuseum.com) To learn about JCHS membership options, or sign up or renew, click here. To learn more about our other public programs, click here. Powered by SimpleTix Questions? Email programs@jchsmuseum.com

Ongoing

Vanishing Murals of Port Townsend: A Walking Tour

Vanishing Murals of Port Townsend: A Walking Tour Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, advertising murals were ubiquitous throughout the country. Large, vibrant signs painted on buildings once lined the streets of most towns in America, usually advertising a product or service. Municipal property, commercial buildings, and even the sides of barns were covered in advertisements for everything from cars to shaving cream to beer. Port Townsend was no different, and these colorful murals contributed to the distinctive character of this busting community. Join us for this unique take on a historic walking tour as we contextualize and "bring to life" these faded “ghost” murals - some of which are hiding in plain sight! A 0.75 mile walking tour with 9 stops Saturdays in July and August at 11:00AM Route is mostly flat and is ADA-accessible Max capacity per tour: 12 Preregistration is required. $16 for members, $20 for non-members (unsure if your membership is current? Check your membership card or email membership@jchsmuseum.com) To learn about JCHS membership options, or sign up or renew, click here. To learn more about our other public programs, click here. Powered by SimpleTix Questions? Email programs@jchsmuseum.com

Jeremy Johnson’s Stem to Stern: The Craft and Culture of a Maritime Community

Discover Stem to Stern: The Craft and Culture of a Maritime Community at the Museum of Art + History from August 1 to December 31, 2024. This engaging exhibition, curated with pieces from acclaimed documentary photojournalist Jeremy Johnson, delves deep into the heart of Port Townsend’s maritime industry. Johnson’s photography captures the essence and challenges of maritime culture, emphasizing community, craftsmanship, and continuity against modernity’s relentless pace. Visitors will explore a rich collection of photographs, videos, and artifacts that illustrate the vitality and heritage of local maritime trades. Highlighting everything from the restoration of historic vessels to the daily routines of fish boats and sailboats, this exhibition not only showcases Johnson’s profound storytelling skills but also celebrates the enduring spirit and skills of maritime tradespeople. Jeremy Johnson’s work, honored with a Northwest Regional Emmy and other accolades, captures poignant moments of life and labor at sea, offering a window into the intertwined narratives of people, their crafts, and the sea. Join us at the Museum of Art + History to experience the compelling narratives and visual splendor of Port Townsend's maritime community through the lens of a master storyteller. Museum Hours of Operation: Thursday to Sunday: 11 AM - 4 […]

Suzanne P. Lamon: Paintbox Cornucopia

Suzanne P. Lamon: Paintbox Cornucopia Ferguson Gallery, Museum of Art + History August 1 - December 31, 2024 Visit the Museum of Art + History’s Ferguson Gallery from August to December 2024 to experience Paintbox Cornucopia, a captivating exhibition featuring the works of Suzanne P. Lamon. From her early days as an art student encouraged to paint "her life" to her profound personal challenges and resilience, this exhibition explores Lamon's journey through self-discovery and expression. At 15, Lamon’s ambition to be an artist was kindled and later fueled by her academic mentor who advised her to draw inspiration from her own experiences. Her search for subject matter led her through various roles—from cowboying to driving a log truck in the isolation of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. These experiences deepened her connection with the world, a theme vividly explored in her early works like Blue Axe. The exhibition also delves into more tumultuous times in Lamon's life, such as her battle with sarcoma that led to the amputation of her arm, profoundly impacting her artistic expression. Works like Trying To Wake the Dead and The Moon Takes a Ride showcase her resilience, capturing both her anguish and her unyielded passion […]

Guardians of History: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour at JCHS

Guardians of History: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour at JCHS Dive into the unseen world of artifact preservation at the Jefferson County Historical Society (JCHS) Research Center and Collections Building. On Sunday, August 4, join our Collections team for an exclusive event, "Guardians of History: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour," where you will uncover the meticulous and sometimes covert operations involved in safeguarding our artifacts. Have you ever considered what it takes to preserve historical treasures? It's a constant battle against the "Agents of Deterioration" — formidable foes that threaten the integrity and longevity of our collections. From combating light exposure and temperature fluctuations to thwarting pests and handling physical forces, our dedicated team works tirelessly to protect these pieces of history. During this immersive tour, you will: Learn about each Agent of Deterioration showcased in different rooms, including light, temperature and humidity, pests, and more. See rare artifacts that are too fragile for regular exhibition. Gain insights into the critical decisions involved in collections care, from prioritizing risks to choosing items for public display. This is your chance to step into the role of a collections manager and experience firsthand how we manage, prioritize, and contend with the challenges of preserving history. Don’t […]