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Jefferson Museum of Art & History 540 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA, United States

This educational poster exhibition exploring how movement has shaped the nation takes a broad look at American expansion and migration—from the earliest European settlers and Native American displacement to the effects of transportation advancements on modern mobility. Select items from JCHS's collection will appear alongside the posters organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Historic image from JCHS collection: PT Electric Railway Co. streetcar on Water and Adams Streets. Horace Tucker Building in background. (ID 2005.80.39)

Jeanne K Simmons: Photographs, Artifacts, and Intimate Works

Captivating Art Exhibition “Jeanne K Simmons: Photographs, Artifacts, and Intimate Works” Opening at JCHS Museum of Art + History We're excited to present a dynamic art exhibition, "Photographs, Artifacts, and Intimate Works," Showcasing globally acclaimed artist Jeanne K Simmons. This highly anticipated exhibition welcomes the public on Saturday, March 2, 2024, delivering a unique and thought-provoking experience that delves into the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Within the immersive realm of Simmons' exhibition, visitors are invited to explore and contemplate the profound relationship shared between humans and nature. Jeanne K Simmons, renowned as both a land artist and environmental artist, masterfully weaves captivating narratives through her photographs, objects, and intimate works. Simmons' art echoes her deeply held belief that humans and the natural world are inseparable. Her creations often showcase women harmoniously integrated into natural settings, surrounded by meticulously organized foraged materials. These art pieces serve as an expression of her deep reverence for the environment and her concerns regarding the delicate bond between humans and nature. The exhibition offers a diverse range of works, each possessing its unique story and source of inspiration. Notably, Simmons’ artistic prowess extends beyond photography to include tangible objects and sculptures, […]

Tessa Hulls: Feeding Ghosts

We're thrilled to announce the opening of the exhibition Tessa Hulls: Feeding Ghosts. This showcase will be on display from March 2 to July 7 in the downstairs gallery of the museum. Featuring excerpts from the newly released nonfiction graphic novel of the same name, written by Tessa Hulls, "Feeding Ghosts" delves into Hulls' profound quest to bring peace to her family's ghosts, as chronicled in her deeply moving memoir. To complement the exhibition, the museum is hosting a special event – the "Feeding Ghosts Book Talk" with Tessa Hulls, moderated in discussion by Lisbeth White. This event will take place on March 7 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Cotton Building in downtown Port Townsend. Admission is free, and signed books will be available for purchase during the event. Tessa Hulls: Feeding Ghosts is a graphic memoir that explores three generations of Chinese women, navigating themes of love, grief, exile, and identity. Hulls portrays the lives of her grandmother, mother, and herself, revealing the intergenerational impact of trauma and the enduring power of love. Tessa Hulls is an artist, writer, and adventurer known for illuminating the connections between the present and the past. With a rich background […]

Creativity + Conversation with Jeanne K Simmons

Engage in Artistic Dialogue: Jeanne K Simmons to Host "Creativity + Conversation" Event at JCHS Museum of Art + History Port Townsend, WA – Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with acclaimed artist Jeanne K Simmons at the JCHS Museum of Art + History. On Sunday, May 5, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM, Simmons will lead an engaging "Creativity + Conversation" event, inviting attendees to delve into the artful soul of Port Townsend. As the featured artist currently on the exhibition, Jeanne K Simmons: Photographs, Artifacts, and Intimate Works, Simmons brings her profound connection to nature and humanity to life through captivating narratives in her artwork. During the Creativity + Conversation event, participants will have the chance to engage in stimulating dialogue with Simmons about the essence and impact of art, the creative process from concept to creation, and the harmonious relationship between our creations and the natural environment. Under Simmons' guidance, attendees will explore hands-on artistry, using natural elements to craft their own art pieces. Whether molding inspiration from the great outdoors or forging a keepsake to take home, this event promises to ignite the creative spirit within. Admission to the "Creativity + Conversation" event is included with […]

History Hike: Blyn Olympic Discovery Trail

History Hike Series: May 25 – Blyn Olympic Discovery Trail For thousands of years, the ancestors of the S’Klallam people managed the bountiful resources of Sequim Bay. Join us on the Olympic Discovery Trail in Blyn to explore the rich history of this area on a 2.5-mile-roundtrip walk around the head of Sequim Bay. We will include a brief stop at the new Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Library to take a peak at their beautiful new exhibits. This is a 2.5 mile round-trip hike on a paved trail and will take approximately 90 minutes. Pre-registration required. Buy Tickets About David Brownell David Brownell holds a BA in History from Hanover College and an MA in Public History from Wright State University. After serving as Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, David moved to Washington in 2015 to take a position as Cultural Resources Specialist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and in 2018 he was designated as Jamestown’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer by Tribal Council. In the fall of 2021, he became Executive Director of the North Olympic History Center. David serves on the board for the Jefferson County Historical Society.   About History Hikes: This year, […]

History Hike: Marlyn Nelson County Park + Port Williams

History Hike Series: June 15th – Marlyn Nelson County Park at Point Williams Join us on Saturday, June 15 for a historical beach walk at Port Williams/Marlyn Nelson County Park, where a public park holds layers of vibrant history. This 2.5-mile journey will reveal the past of a once-thriving town, complete with a post office, hotel, and wharf – the bustling hub of commerce for east Clallam County. As we stroll, we’ll unfold the area's many transformations and explore its rich narrative. This 2.5 mile round-trip walk is on level sand and gravel beach. It will last approximately 90 minutes. Pre-registration required. Information on facilities can be find on the park's website.  Buy Here   About David Brownell David Brownell holds a BA in History from Hanover College and an MA in Public History from Wright State University. After serving as Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, David moved to Washington in 2015 to take a position as Cultural Resources Specialist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and in 2018 he was designated as Jamestown’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer by Tribal Council. In the fall of 2021, he became Executive Director of the North Olympic […]

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) Buy Here To learn about JCHS membership options, or sign up or renew, click here. To learn more about our other public programs, click here. Questions? Email programs@jchsmuseum.com

History Hike: Dungeness River Levee Trail

History Hike Series: September 15th - Dungeness River Levee Trail Immerse yourself in ecological history on Sunday, September 15th with a guided tour along the Dungeness River Levee Trail. Discover the successful Lower Dungeness Floodplain Restoration project, led by Clallam County and supported by the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, and learn about the rich natural history of the region. Historically noted for its salmon runs, waterfowl migrations, and diverse plant life, this area is reviving its ecological legacy. This walk will be approximately 2.5 miles round-trip. The trail will be packed gravel or paved. This walk will take approximately 90 minutes. Pre-registration required. Buy Here About David Brownell David Brownell holds a BA in History from Hanover College and an MA in Public History from Wright State University. After serving as Research Coordinator for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office, David moved to Washington in 2015 to take a position as Cultural Resources Specialist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and in 2018 he was designated as Jamestown’s Tribal Historic Preservation Officer by Tribal Council. In the fall of 2021, he became Executive Director of the North Olympic History Center. David serves on the board for the Jefferson County Historical […]