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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.

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 […]

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

Free First Saturday

Free First Saturday Saturday, July 6 11AM - 7PM FREE Admission Free First Saturday invites the public to enjoy a diverse array of art and historical exhibitions for extended hours at no cost. Enjoy works by Jeanne K Simmons and Tessa Hulls all day long at no cost. This month's Free First Saturday is generously sponsored by the Port of Port Townsend

Free

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

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 […]

Suzanne P. Lamon Mid-Career Retrospective Gallery Walk + Talk

Join us on Saturday, September 14, from 5PM to 6PM at the Museum of Art + History for an exclusive stroll through the Ferguson Gallery featuring the profound works of Suzanne P. Lamon. This mid-career retrospective spans 50 years of Lamon's artistic journey, showcasing her large oil paintings rich with personal iconography and deeply rooted in place. Event Highlights: • Time: 5PM to 6PM • Admission: Suggested donation of $12 • Registration: Required • Seating: Chairs are available throughout the gallery During this intimate tour through the gallery, Suzanne will guide guests through her exhibition, sharing insights into her creative process and the stories behind each work. Known for her vibrant personality, Suzanne brings her art to life with humor and honesty, making each piece resonate on a personal level. Experience a unique interaction with a seasoned artist and gain a firsthand understanding of how life’s challenges and triumphs have colored her expansive body of work. Join us for an evening of art, insight, and engaging conversation with Suzanne P. Lamon. Reserve your ticket here.

$12