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
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 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 […]
Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific reveals the deep and historic connection between people of African descent and the Pacific Ocean. On Exhibition September 12 – November 3 Most accounts of the United States’ maritime enterprises are disproportionately populated by white seafarers. Yet, from the 16th to the 20th century, Black whalers, commercial mariners, fishers, explorers, soldiers, and sailors traveled along the Pacific Coast and traversed the high seas. The stories of these mariners, their impact in shaping the American Pacific, and their legacy in the context of development of society and identity, are all explored in Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific. Black seamen onboard ship . Miriam Matthews Photograph Collection, African American Museum and Library at Oakland. Capt. and Mrs. William T. Shorey and family studio portrait at Oakland, Calif., after 1886. Courtesy San Francisco Maritime Museum. West African canoes, c. 1820-1850. Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, VA. Importantly, this exhibition recenters the relationship between Black folks, water, and ships. Take Me to the Water moves beyond the entrenched narrative of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and towards the understanding that Black people have not only existed in the Pacific region for centuries, but […]
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.
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 […]
Q&A with Dr. Caroline Collins: Uncovering Histories of the Black Pacific Join us for an Exclusive Virtual Event on October 19 Explore the untold stories of Black mariners in the Pacific through an engaging Q&A with Dr. Caroline Collins, curator of the upcoming JCHS exhibition Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific. Dr. Collins, a leading scholar and UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow, will dive into the fascinating and often-overlooked history of Black people's contributions to maritime culture and the Pacific Coast, stretching from the 16th century to today. Event Details: Date & Time: Saturday, October 19, 4 – 5 PM (PT) Location: Hosted online via Zoom Registration: Register here Suggested Donation: $12 A recording will be provided to all registrants following the event. During this hour-long virtual discussion, Dr. Collins will offer insights into her research and the personal connections that have driven her exploration of Black histories tied to water and seafaring. From the early freedoms some Africans found at sea to the influence of Black mariners on scientific research and cultural exchange, this talk will challenge the entrenched narratives of maritime history and reveal the integral role Black communities have played in shaping the Pacific […]
Halloweekend @ JCHS Thursday, October 31 – Sunday, November 3 Celebrate Halloween Weekend at JCHS, where history meets mystery in the heart of Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport with a spirited past. From October 31st to November 2nd, join us for "Hall-O-Weekend" festivities that merge local lore with festive fun. Kicking off the events, the Museum of Art + History will be handing out treats at Main Street’s beloved downtown trick-or-treating and parade along Water Street. On Friday evening and Saturday morning, dive deeper into the shadows with our Legends + Lore: Halloween Edition tour. This exclusive, ticketed walking tour has been specially adapted for Halloween to explore eerie tales and unexplained mysteries that are woven into the fabric of Port Townsend’s history. On Saturday, November 1, Free First Saturday offers waived admission for all to explore the historic building and jail, while the "Hidden Haunts" scavenger hunt offers a gently spooky adventure for kids throughout the museum. Here’s a snapshot of the Hall-o-weekend Program Schedule: Trick-or-Treat on Water Street: Candy and handouts for kids along Water Street in front of the Museum on Thursday, October 31 from 3:45 – 5:45PM. Legends + Lore Walking Tour: Special Halloween-themed edition of […]
Dino Day presented by JCHS in partnership with the Burke Museum Saturday, November 9, 2024 At the JCHS Museum of Art + History 11:00AM – 2:00PM For kids and adults of all ages Drop-in, no registration needed FREE! Calling all dinosaur and fossil lovers: take a tour through 540 million years of time! JCHS is so excited to host the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture’s traveling 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. And don’t miss seeing rarely displayed fossils from the JCHS collections. Don’t miss the fun!
Holiday Extravaganza at the Museum of Art + History Presented in Partnership with KPTZ 91.9FM Get ready for an afternoon of holiday joy, music, and community! We're excited to welcome back our beloved Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, December 14, from 12PM to 4PM at the Museum of Art + History. This year, we’re thrilled to partner once again with KPTZ 91.9FM, Port Townsend’s own community radio station, to bring festive cheer to all. This special event will feature a live broadcast from KPTZ, complete with musical performances, artist interviews, and holiday trivia to keep the spirit bright. Each performance brings a unique flavor of the season, offering a blend of styles for all to enjoy: Roger and Kristen Ferguson – Americana A River Story by Anna Linzer, read by Willow Baker and Bill Mawhinney Julian Catford – Solo guitar arrangements of seasonal melodies Hot Club of Port Townsend – Jazz Manouche quartet Paisani Norte – Music of Sicily From Americana to jazz and Sicilian tunes, our lineup ensures there’s something for everyone. This event is free and open to all—we invite you to bring family and friends to enjoy an afternoon filled with music, holiday spirit, and community connections. Event […]
