HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE
EXPLORE A HISTORIC SEAPORT TOWN
Where history and the present meet.
Although Port Townsend is known as a Victorian seaport, with two National Historic Landmark Districts, its historic roots date back centuries before when the S’Klallam tribe called the area home. Learn about Port Townsend’s fascinating history by visiting our museums, taking a self-guided walking or driving tour with our map of historic buildings and following the newly established Chetzemoka Trail.
HALF DAY ITINERARY
Explore the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, 540 Water Street, 360-385-1003, located in the 1892 historic City Hall, where you’ll learn about the town’s history. Be sure to watch the award-winning “We Came with Dreams” video! Pick up a passport for admission to this museum, the Rothschild House and the Commanding Officer’s Quarters.
The Rothschild House (summer only), on the corner of Franklin and Taylor Streets, was built in 1868 and is virtually unchanged from over a hundred years ago. The house has been left intact from when the family donated it to Washington State Parks.
The Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum, located on the parade grounds at Fort Worden, was built in 1904 overlooking Admiralty Inlet. Late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings provide a unique glimpse into the life of a senior Army officer and his family during the first decade of the 20th century.
The Coast Artillery Museum, 200 Battery Way, 360-385-0373, is across the parade grounds at Fort Worden and located in one of the original 1904 Barracks. Here you’ll learn about the history of Fort Worden, discover why the batteries were built and the coast artillery’s harbor defense of Puget Sound.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (hours of operation vary seasonally), 532 Battery Way, Fort Worden and Flagship Landing, 1001 Water St., 360-385-5582, is dedicated to inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and operates an interactive museum with natural history information.
Visit the Port Townsend Aero Museum, 105 Airport Road, 360-379-5244, and see over 30 rare and antique aircraft specimens are available for public viewing and more than 60% are regularly flown.
Check out the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) Research Center, 13692 Highway 19 (Airport Cutoff Road), 360-385-9495, where the JCGS library and collections are housed, as well as archives and vast collections of the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Walk or cycle the newly established Chetzemoka Trail, beginning at Chetzemoka Park and connecting many points of tribal, geographic and historic interest spanning 3-mile and 6-mile loops on a 12-mile route around the city and through Fort Worden.
FULL DAY ITINERARY: TOUR THE DOWNTOWN AND FORT WORDEN HISTORICAL MUSEUMS
Tour the downtown museums in the morning:
Explore the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, 540 Water Street, 360-385-1003, located in the 1892 historic City Hall where you’ll learn about the town’s history. Be sure to watch the award-winning “We Came with Dreams” video! Pick up a passport for admission to this museum, the Rothschild House and the Commanding Officer’s Quarters.
The Rothschild House (summer only), on the corner of Franklin and Taylor Streets, was built in 1868 and is virtually unchanged from over a hundred years ago. The house has been left intact from when the family donated it to Washington State Parks.
For Lunch, enjoy some fare at either of the Fort’s two eateries:
Taps at the Guardhouse, Bar + Kitchen, 300 Eisenhower Avenue, 360-344-4477
Cablehouse Canteen, 501 Harbor Defense Way
Then tour the Fort’s fascinating historical and natural museums:
The Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum, located on the parade grounds at Fort Worden, was built in 1904 overlooking Admiralty Inlet. Late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings provide a unique glimpse into the life of a senior Army officer and his family during the first decade of the 20th century.
The Coast Artillery Museum, 200 Battery Way, 360-385-0373, is across the parade grounds at Fort Worden and located in one of the original 1904 Barracks. Here you’ll learn about the history of Fort Worden, discover why the batteries were built and the coast artillery’s harbor defense of Puget Sound.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (hours of operation vary seasonally), 532 Battery Way, Fort Worden, 360-385-5582, is dedicated to inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea (Puget Sound) and an interactive museum with natural history information.
FULL DAY ITINERARY: PLANES, FRIES AND FAMILY LINES
Visit the Port Townsend Aero Museum in the morning, with lunch at the Jefferson International Airport’s Spruce Goose Café – where you can sit outside and enjoy a burger while watching planes soar into the air. Finish up with a visit to the JCGS Research Center in the afternoon.
The Port Townsend Aero Museum, 105 Airport Road, 360-379-5244, has more tan 30 rare and antique aircraft specimens that are available for public viewing and more than 60% are regularly flown.
Spruce Goose Café, 302 Airport Road, 360-385-3185
Check out the Jefferson County Genealogical Society (JCGS) Research Center, 13692 Highway 19 (Airport Cutoff Road), 360-385-9495, where the JCGS library and collections are housed as well as archives and vast collections of the Jefferson County Historical Society.
2-DAY ITINERARY: ATTEND THE PORT TOWNSEND VICTORIAN FESTIVAL
Port Townsend Victorian Festival (March)
Each March, Port Townsend’s Victorian Festival embraces new events, old favorites, and even more opportunities to experience a way of life that was. Learn about the beautiful Victorian architecture of Port Townsend and enjoy favorites like the Fashion Show, High Tea, Building Tours and the Grand Ball.
2-DAY ITINERARY: ATTEND THE STEAMPUNK HOOTENANNY
Brass Screw Consortium (June)
Join the Brass Screw Consortium! Each June, experience the Pacific Northwest’s immersive Steampunk Festival set in Port Townsend. A weeked of Victoriana mixed with science, invention, and a great deal of fun.
2-DAY ITINERARY: FORT WORDEN HISTORY
Day One
Tour the Coast Artillery Museum, have lunch at Taps at the Guardhouse, Kitchen + Bar and hike the trails around Fort Worden, exploring the batteries and bunkers.
Day Two
Visit the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum, have a summer lunch at the Cablehouse Canteen on the beach and tour the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
2-DAY ITINERARY: PORT TOWNSEND HISTORY
Day One
Visit the Jefferson County Museum of Art and History, have lunch at Sirens Pub on the waterfront and go on a self-guided walking tour of the historic districts, ending at the Rothschild House.
Day Two
Pick up items for a picnic at Aldrich’s Market, 940 Lawrence Street, 360-385-0500, follow the Chetzemoka Trail, have a picnic lunch at Chetzemoka Park and check out the totem pole and cedar canoe at Northwest Maritime.