Opening in 2025

JCHS is reimagining the Museum of Art + History – we’re transforming our space, our practice, and the visitor experience.

Traditionally, museum exhibits might remain unchanged for years, limiting fresh opportunities for visitors to engage and follow their curiosity. Recognizing this, we’ve listened to community feedback and discovered a strong desire for a new experience that includes:

  • More Art + History
  • More Opportunities to Follow Curiosity
  • Enhanced ADA Accessibility

Inspired by your insights, we’re transforming the Museum of Art + History to deliver more of what you value, ensuring each visit is as enriching and accessible as possible.

Sign up for updates here.

the concept

In this reimagining, we’ll utilize the museum as one large, flexible exhibition space.

Each year, we’ll focus all exhibitions around one main topic, exploring that theme through art, archive materials, and historic collections.

Our annual programming will also feature speakers, tours, and presentations on the annual topic.

We’re starting with the concept of “Home”, delving into:

  • What HOME means
  • How HOME varies
  • How HOME connects us all

Because our historic City Hall is a fascinating artifact itself, we’re also designing permanent displays to explain the original purpose and function of each room.

We’ll include broader stories of downtown Port Townsend at the turn of the last century as well.

Creating spaces for everyone

As part of this exciting project, we’re enhancing the spaces in our historic building by installing ramps, widening doorways, and designing all new signage to ensure we are accessible for everyone.

A Sneak Peek Inside

Come take a look inside the first space designed for the new museum experience where we explore the question:

What Is Home?

Visitors will be asked to contribute their definition of HOME to a graphic wall, responding to the prompt “What does HOME mean to you?”

Click Here

Artifacts from the JCHS collection related to HOME will be on display.

These will include furnishings, art, building materials, maps, and toys.

Click Here

There will also be an object case and graphic panel describing the room’s original function as the Tax Collector’s office in 1892.

In addition to this interpretation, there will be seating and clear signage to direct visitors throughout their museum experience.

Click Here

Project Timeline

2024: Capital Campaign

Raise $2.3M for the Newly Imagined Museum project

Late 2024: Building Modifications

Install 2 Ramps for ADA Accessibility + Widen Doors

    Early 2025: Design Completion

    New exhibit design completed

      Mid 2025: Fabrication + Installation

      The new exhibit components created + installed

        Late 2025: Grand Opening

        Doors open to all, showcasing the fully reimagined experience

          The Team Behind the Plan

          Staff

          Tara McCauley, Executive Director
          Ellie DiPietro, Director of Research and Collections
          Alexandra Toombs, Director of Development + Communications
          Linda Hall, Finance Manager
          Reed Barry, Research + Collections Coordinator
          Kelsey Caudebec, Program Coordinator
          Davy Mack-Hazelwood, Visitor Services Associate
          Linda Sue Hanlon, Visitor Services Associate

          Board of Trustees

          Ann Welch, President
          Janette Force, Vice President
          Aldryth O’Hara, Treasurer
          Katelyn Kean, Secretary
          David Brownell
          JoAnn Bussa
          Tim Caldwell
          Mary Coney
          Jon Harmon
          Peter R. Langley
          Monica Macguire
          Cliff Moore

          Our Capital Campaign is Rooted in Change. With this project, we are embracing change in how we…

          • Think about art and history
          • Approach exhibitions
          • Work in our community

          This project, with a goal of $2.3M, will allow us to realize this vision with funding from public sources, foundations, businesses, and individuals like you.

          Rooted in Change is about being connected – like strong roots – to our place and to each other. We’re all part of the story of this place; past, present, and future.

          And your support, big or small, is crucial to our success. Join us on this journey to a reimagined museum. Let’s make this happen together.

          Sign up for updates here.

          Total Raised

          Get Involved

          Every gift gets us closer to the goal. Whether it’s contributing a few coins or a swipe of your credit card, your support means this project can be completed.

          Here’s how to join in:

          • Online: click here to make a gift!
          • Business Support: Own a business? Become a sponsor.
          • Big Gifts: Inspired in a major way? Email us at alex@jchsmuseum.com.

          Every gift, no matter the size, plays a huge part in bringing this new museum experience to life.

          It’s about more than just dollars; it’s about coming together as a community to create something incredible.

          Donate Here

          For questions about planned giving, sponsorships, and honorary naming opportunities related to the newly imagined Museum of Art + History, please contact:

          Alexandra Toombs
          Director of Development + Communications
          alex@jchsmuseum.com | (360) 385-1003 x104

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