jefferson county historical society

Humble and illuminating, this small museum starts with a short film about the history and spirit of the area. The exhibits give an excellent feel for what the area was like when settled, the different populations, and the drama of living in a not-that-long bygone time.

The best part of the tour was the film that they start you out with. It is on the history of the town interspersed with current day town folk as to why they moved to Port Townsend. They had some artifacts and timelines that were very interesting. Give it a try it's on $4.

While walking around Port Townsend, we decided to take a trip inside this building to see what they had to share with us. For a small fee, we were given a map and told what the different areas of the building contained. We started out in a small theater, but chose not to watch the 10 minute film, as we were there close to closing time. We wanted to be sure to have time to explore. We started out in the old courtroom on our way to the area with a ton of cool history, stories, and artifacts. There was an old horse drawn taxi, a hearse, old trunks, old children's toys, boat bits and pieces (old anchor, steering wheel, etc). We found our way down to the old jail, which was interesting, informative, and in some ways, kind of eerie. The outer area of the jail cells reminded me of the movie "The Green Mile" with it's desk, old typewriter, and feel of the building. The cells were old, dark, and cold feeling. But also so fascinating. We ended our tour in the courtroom, again, looking at the current exhibit of paintings by female painters. This is definitely worth the time and small admission fee. And a great way to learn about and relive the history of the area.

This place is a must for first time travelers to Port Townsend. It gives a great review from the beginning of it's existence. We enjoyed all the information we gathered here to make our stay that much nicer. They have many different rooms themed so as to keep your interest throughout this tiny museum. Well worth the few dollars entrance fee.

In all honesty, I hadn't until going inside the Historical Society, realized the significance (or that there was any) to Port Townsend. The amount of history, scandal, murder, money and strife in just a few blocks was told very clearly and I instantly realized the town's embodiment of the American Story. The original courthouse and original mens and women's jails below brought home just how prolific and seedy it must have been when it was a frontier to the sea - in contrast to the pure wealth rolling in a few block "above" them. Really great, small, well done museum. Do this first and the whole town makes perfect sense to you as you move around it!

If you in Port Townsend visit this place. it is a great time, go downstairs, ask questions and take advantage in learing the history of the town. Eveyone in my family, ages 50 - 13 enjoyed this place!

The gentleman on the desk gave me an introduction to Port Townsend and the museum itself and was very friendly. In the first room is a gallery of interesting old photos. The firehall has a maritime theme but best part for me was the old jail with iron bar cells complete with shackles. Next to it is an interesting display on dubious ladies who frequented the town at the early part of the last century. I was not quite taken by the art gallery that took up a lot of space but still a museum well worth visiting.

Don't miss going down the "scary stairs" and don't lock yourself in the jail cells there, mind.If the past fascinates you, this building is a must visit. It i the 1892 City Hall building and you can view exhibits in what was the municipal court, the fire hall and even jail! Just being able to visit the old jail cells is really kind of cool especially for kids. It had great information and exhibits - I was able to view the most informative past of "soiled doves" of Port Townsend in the exhibit learned quite a bit of the history of the area in the hour or so I spent in the museum.The docent was also a fount of knowledge and happy to tell you about the town and the museum. I could have happily spent my day chatting with him if he did not have other visitors to attend to.

We visited the Jefferson County Museum and the Rothschild House during Victorian Weekend. There were representatives from the historical society in both places.We are not from the area but learned so much about the history of the port that it started to feel a little like home.

This is a must for anyone living in Port Townsend, or visiting here. It is most informative and interesting and gives a wonderful insight into the history of the town.

This is a very interesting museum and on the occasion we visited the docent on the front desk was extremely welcoming and informative. You really feel very welcome. The museum is in fact quite big and if you go downstairs to see the jail and the additional exhibits as well as large areas setting out the history of Port Townsend you gain a good idea of the history of the environs which is fascinating.You start off by seeing a short film about the present residents of Port Townsend and their work as artists and why they came to the island. There is masses of historical information dating from the indigenous population and then discovery by the Spanish and British, the rise of the town as a busy port to its eventual downfall in the 1890s. All of it is very interesting and well worth seeing. Port Townsend itself is not a large place and the museum gives a perfect perspective if if and understanding and thereby gives a greater appreciation of everything that you see in the surrounding streets and architecture.Well worth a visit.

The museum offers a wide variety of historical information, objects and videos - a great introduction to this fascinating town.

Don't expect a big city historical society museum and you won't be disappointed. I recommend you watch the 7 min video at the beginning of your visit. Interesting history of the town, including prostitution during its boom days. You can see it all in 45-60 mins if you look at everything. Be sure you go downstairs to the jail. The best part of the museum.

Inexpensive with 2-3 attraction package price of only $6-9. Went to this museum and Rothschild home and lived them both. Combination of fact and fanciful exhibits. Jail...Sin City....City Development and history.

Nice historic building with 9 minute historic video. Small old time jail is kind of cool as is the old fire dept. pieces. Some nautical and good historic photos and time line. Gift store not really pertinent to history displayed. Very limited hours and $4 admission.