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 the historic record helps us discern fact from fiction.
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)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
