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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.

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 […]

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.

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, […]