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We Are One

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

Curated by Brian Perry, this exhibition features the work of four Indigenous artists. Using both traditional materials and mediums more recently associated with Indigenous art, these artists carry ancient culture, images, and stories into the present. Artists featured as part of We Are One: Brian Perry (Port Gamble S'Klallam): Carving and prints Dan Friday (Lummi): Glass sculpture Raya Friday (Lummi): Glass and cedar sculpture Kelly Sullivan (Port Gamble S'Klallam): Weaving Original artwork: Brian Perry, Heron Ritual, 2020, print, 22 x 22 in. Presented with major support from Tulalip Cares Charitable Contributions

October First Saturday

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

Join us every first Saturday of the month at the Jefferson Museum for free admission all day starting at 11:00 AM, open hours extended to 7:00 PM, and Art Walk activities in downtown Port Townsend.

The Origins of Marine Sailing with Gary Wessen

Northwest Maritime Center 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA, United States

Friday, October 27 at 7:00 PM Northwest Maritime Center Suggested donation: $10 Register Here Taught by Gary Wessen (2020 DAHP Career Achievement Award) and in collaboration with Jefferson County Historical Society, explore the complexities and questions of early maritime sailing. The ideas discussed in this talk have drastically evolved archeologists' thinking and theories. These questions include: • How did people travel to locations they couldn't walk to? • How far back in time does maritime travel date? • What evidence do we have to prove our theories? Investigating the origins and early history of ocean sailing is a particularly difficult challenge for archaeologists. This presentation considers: • Anthropological ideas about cultural adaptations to maritime environments • What kinds of indirect arguments can be used to evaluate possible evidence, • What currently available evidence from around the world suggests about the antiquity of this type of activity Join JCHS with archaeologist Gary Wessen to learn about the origins of marine sailing. Register here.

November First Saturday

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

Join us every first Saturday of the month at the Jefferson Museum for free admission all day starting at 11:00 AM, open hours extended to 7:00 PM, and Art Walk activities in downtown Port Townsend.

Dino Day

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

Saturday, November 18, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Free and all-ages! Join us at the Jefferson Museum for a visit from the BurkeMobile Dig In! program! Learn how the three types of rocks that make up our planet are formed from minerals. Uncover the dynamic, shifting nature of our planet with activities focusing on continental drift and plate tectonics. Find out how paleontologists “read” the fossil record for clues about what the world used to look like. Then become a paleontologist yourself by excavating fossils from dig pits and exploring exhibits with fossils and cast replicas of plants and animals from the Paleozoic (sea creatures!), Mesozoic (dinos!), and Cenozoic (mammals!) eras. Dino costumes are encouraged and we'll be bringing some rarely displayed fossils from JCHS's collection to the museum just for this special day of programming. Don't miss this free all-ages event.

December First Saturday

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

Join us every first Saturday of the month at the Jefferson Museum for free admission all day starting at 11:00 AM, open hours extended to 7:00 PM, and Art Walk activities in downtown Port Townsend.

Holiday Extravaganza

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

Saturday, December 9, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Free and all-ages! The JCHS) in partnership with KPTZ 91.9FM, is thrilled to announce the Holiday Extravaganza, a celebration of music and community spirit.  This free, all-ages event promises a memorable afternoon filled with musical performances, engaging interviews with the artists, fun trivia, and abundant holiday cheer. This year’s lineup features an eclectic mix of local and regional talents, ensuring a vibrant tapestry of sounds and styles. Performances by: Roland and Bobbi Nikles (melodious blend of fiddle, guitar, and vocals); Jessica Logan & Ryan Hoffman (jazz with a Romani swing twist); Pamela Roberts (solo cello, spanning classical pieces through the ages); Jean Lenke & Steve Kirk (classic jazz vocals accompanied by guitar); and Les Couers Criminels (Cajun dance music). The Holiday Extravaganza is more than just a concert; it’s a gathering place for the community to come together and revel in the spirit of the season. Presented in partnership with KPTZ 91.9 FM This event is generously supported by the City of Port Townsend Arts Commission and Lodging Tax Fund.

Book Talk: Feeding Ghosts with Tessa Hulls + Lisbeth White

The Cotton Building 607 Water St, Port Townsend, WA, United States

Join us at the Cotton Building in downtown Port Townsend for an engaging evening with Tessa Hulls, the acclaimed author and artist behind the graphic memoir "Feeding Ghosts." On March 7, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tessa Hulls will share insights into her riveting nonfiction graphic novel, which offers a profound look at her family's history and her journey to reconcile with the past. Tessa Hulls delves into her heritage in "Feeding Ghosts," exploring the narratives of three generations of Chinese women and their experiences with love, grief, exile, and identity. The memoir is a touching testament to the intergenerational effects of trauma and the resilient power of love. This intimate book talk will be moderated by Port Townsend's own Lisbeth White, a writer and ritualist whose keen understanding of narrative and culture will guide the conversation to deep and meaningful places. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Tessa Hulls in person and get your copy of "Feeding Ghosts" signed. It's an evening that promises to be as enlightening as it is inspiring. Event Details: Date: March 7 Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location: Cotton Building, downtown Port Townsend Admission: Free Extras: Signed copies of "Feeding Ghosts" […]

Ashes to Archives: The 1900 Fire at Memorial Field

Join us for an enlightening evening as the Jefferson County Historical Society presents From Ashes to Archives: New Research about the 1900 Fire at Memorial Field, hosted at the Northwest Maritime Center. Delve into the rich history of the area now known as Memorial Field. At the turn of the last century, this vibrant neighborhood was a cultural and economic hub in Port Townsend, home to many Chinese and Chinese American residents and businesses, among others. On September 24, 1900, a devastating fire ravaged the area, essentially leveling the city block and disrupting countless lives. At this event, Ruth Kodish-Eskind (Diversity in Local History Intern at JCHS) will share exciting new research, shedding light on: Specific businesses that were operating on that block at the time of the fire. Details about the lives of four neighborhood residents before and after the fire. Current understandings about how the fire may have started that challenge previously held beliefs. Lasting impacts of the fire on the business and residential district. Intricacies of the research process. In addition to the presentation, JCHS staff will be sharing many of the primary source materials utilized in this research project, including maps, newspaper articles, census records, photographs, […]

Free

Rothschild House Opening Weekend

The 1868 Rothschild House Museum is reopening for the season! Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 11:00AM – 4:00PM FREE Admission Join us for a special reopening celebration of the 1868 Rothschild House, happening in conjunction with the weekend of the Victorian Festival. Come celebrate the unique objects within the home, our wonderful public lands, and the Rothschild family! Bring a picnic, take in the views from the bluff, and tour this very special 156-year-old house. Admission will be free all weekend with no registration required, but donations are welcome. On Friday, April 26, we will host a special Open House from 3PM – 4PM with live music and lawn games (croquet, anybody?), where docents and Rothschild family descendants will be on hand to share stories about this special home. Accessibility House interior is two levels that are only accessible by stairs. Grounds are all at street level. Parking & Restrooms Limited free parking is available onsite. There are no restrooms at the Rothschild House; please plan accordingly. Uptown streets may be congested during Saturday farmers markets, festivals, and parades. Visit jchsmusuem.org for more information about the house, the family, and how to plan your visit.