May @ JCHS

Explore the rich art and heritage of Jefferson County and broader Olympic Peninsula with JCHS this spring!

We're excited to announce several upcoming programs, including our popular History Hikes, annual Membership Meeting, summer walking tours, and a special co-presented play with Key City Public Theater! Read below for more details.

Key City Public Theater presents: Carmelita: A Vindication for the Unwritten: Or How to Write Yourself Back into History

Saturday, May 10 @ 7PM

On this special, one-night only performance, a portion of all ticket sales purchased using the code ‘HISTORY’ will be donated to JCHS! Don’t miss this chance to combine your love of history and public theater into one magical night.

About the play: How do you break free from an assigned narrative? Meet Carmelita Colon, determined to do just that, challenging us to re-imagine what it means to reclaim our stories. A tale of gold rushes, wars, outlaws, and tamale recipes. Historical fiction immerses you in one woman's treacherous and triumphant journey from 1860s Mexico to WA territory.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Annual Membership Meeting

Tuesday, May 13 @ the Museum of Art + History

5:30PM and 6:30PM

Join us for our annual membership meeting! This year’s event will feature a presentation by Executive Director Tara McCauley with updates and what to expect for JCHS in 2025 and beyond, including progress on the Newly Imagined Museum project. Members will also enjoy a Behind-the-scenes tour with Director of Research + Collections Ellie DiPietro, highlighting recent ADA building modifications and improvements to our historic space.

Two time slots are available and pre-registration is required. Please click here register.

Not a member? Sign up here!

History Hikes with the North Olympic History Centerer

Saturday, May 31 @ the Dungeness Recreation Area

Two Hikes: 10AM - 11:30AM, 12:30PM - 2PM

The Dungeness Recreation Area, known locally as “Voice of America” park, has a rich history beginning with traditional use of prairies by the S’Klallam people, to early agricultural use and more recent development for radio broadcasting in World War II.

Join us to peel back these layers of history and enjoy the scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca. This area is renowned for wildlife, so make sure to bring your binoculars!

Click here for more information and to register.

Vanishing Murals Walking Tour

Limited Availability: Only 3 Dates in June!

Explore the “ghost murals” that once covered the town, advertising everything from cars to household products. These remnants of a bustling 19th-century Port Townsend provide a window into the town's commercial and artistic history.

Learn about the architecture, businesses, and creative craftsmanship behind these murals and gain a deeper appreciation for the visual legacy that still whispers through the town’s streets.

Visit www.jchsmuseum.org/walking-tours to learn more and reserve your spot today!