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Free Traveling Guides » States » Washington » Greater WashingtonJefferson County Historical Society
The Jefferson County Historical Society of Washington Territory was established on May 3, 1879 by the first settlers of Port Townsend and Jefferson County. Today, the mission of the Historical Society is same as it was in 1879, “...to actively discover, collect, preserve, and promote the heritage of Jefferson County in the State of Washington.”
Over many subsequent years, the JCHS has not only grown but has also gained strength, professionalism, and focus that enable it to meet new challenges. The mission of this society also emphasizes on the significance of collecting pictures, photographs, documents, papers, and other objects and preserving these collections in a suitable housing. The basement of the Carnegie Library in Port Townsend is used to house such collections and also to conduct the JCHS business.
Its first historic preservation activity was the renovation of the Fire Bell Tower in the early 1950s. The JCHS initiated a campaign to raise about $1500 and organized several volunteers to get the historic Bell Tower repaired and repainted. A museum was set up in the Old Court Room of the historic City Hall in Port Townsend in the year 1951 by the JCHS. In the years that followed, members of the historical society started to make efforts in restoring the old Victorian buildings and houses in the town. Other activities in the past included the opening of a research library as a part of the museum in 1960, release of a major publication named “With Pride in Heritage” in 1966, and fund raising for the restoration of the Bell Tower once again in 1971.
The Jefferson County Historical Society also played a major role in restoration of the historic City Hall Building. The JCHS encourages and lauds all sorts of restoration and preservation projects. It works in close association with certain important groups like the Historic Preservation Committee, the Main Street Program, and the Chamber of Commerce in order to ensure historic preservation as well as economic stability in the city.
Today, some important components of the Society’s major activities include education, special lectures, presentations, and various exhibitions of historical importance. These activities help in creating an awareness of the city’s dynamic local history. Besides maintaining and monitoring the Fire Bell Tower and the JCHS Museum, the Society also manages the Rothschild House Museum for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. This museum reflects the history of Port Townsend’s commerce.
To conclude, there are a large number of services provided by JCHS in an attempt to preserve the local history of the Port Townsend. Victorian festival, historic property survey, publications, Oral History project, and tourism are other services provided by the Jefferson County Historical Society.
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