MUSEUM OF ART + HISTORY
Our museum is where we welcome visitors throughout the year to learn and be inspired by our region’s arts and heritage. We do this principally through our long-term and rotating exhibitions that explore the history of this place and showcase work by local artists and curators.
We also host a variety of museum programs, including themed all-ages activity days and artist-led talks and panel discussions focused on current exhibitions.
Visit the JCHS Museum
540 Water Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Museum Hours
Open THU – SUN, 11AM – 4PM
Admission
FREE
– JCHS Members
– Youth (under 17)
– NARM Members
– ROAM Members
Adult $9.00
Senior (65+) $7.00
Military $7.00
The First Saturday of every month is FREE admission for all + open until 7PM.
JCHS Museum admission is reciprocal with Rothschild House admission
Accessibility
Street-level entrance for elevator access to basement, lobby, and upper levels is located on Madison Street.
Parking & Restrooms
Free two-hour parking is available on Water, Madison, and Washington Streets except when streets are blocked for festivals, parades, and other events. Parking may be limited if your visit coincides with a game at Memorial Field. We recommend checking the Jefferson County Alert Center before you visit for the latest information on road closures.
Current Exhibitions
1892 Historic City Hall
We have operated the Jefferson Museum in Port Townsend’s 1892 Historic City Hall since 1951. The original roof and third floor were removed in 1947, but the building is otherwise largely original, making it easy for visitors to see the historic functions of spaces that are now home to art and history exhibitions.
With the City of Port Townsend, JCHS completed a restoration and seismic upgrade of the building in 2006, at which time most City offices moved to the modern annex behind the historic building. However, the original City Council Chambers remain in use, making them the longest continually used council chambers in Washington State.
New JCHS Museum
We are in the process of reimagining our museum experience to reflect our region’s stories more fully, including those that have been misrepresented or never shared before at our museum.
In addition to helping us tell more stories, this project’s core objectives include making sure our museum is accessible for all uses and users and improving the ways we can engage and serve visitors as a community resource. Learn more about the timeline of this project, why we’re doing it now, and how you can provide input and support.
the Museum Shop
Be sure to check out this thoughtfully curated selection of locally relevant items during your museum visit. Our staff and volunteers love helping visitors pick out gifts and souvenirs.
If you’re interested in selling your own locally made items in our shop, we’d love to hear from you!