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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 […]

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

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 […]