November Newsletter

We have new postcards for sale in the Museum Store! These are reproductions of local vintage postcards found in our collection.

November is Native American Heritage Month

Take some time this month (and every month!) to learn about the Tribes of the Kitsap Peninsula – with whom Kitsap history began.  

We strive to learn as much as we can from the Suquamish, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Skokomish Tribes so that we can maintain a relationship of honor and respect. In the past several years, we learned that our museum held culturally important items in our collections that would be better preserved and served in their communities of origin. In 2020, we emailed lists of Tribe-related items in our collection to the Suquamish Museum. In 2021, we emailed additional lists to the Skokomish Cultural Department. Later that year we transferred over 60 artifacts and photographs to the care of the Skokomish and Suquamish tribes. 

As museum professionals, our priority for any artifact is preservation. As historians, our priority is interpretation (telling the artifact’s story and how it relates to Kitsap history). Now that these artifacts are with their communities of origin, they can be properly honored, preserved, interpreted, and studied. True Native American history is told by Native American people. To learn more about the first people of the Kitsap Peninsula, visit: 

The Suquamish Museum, 6861 NE South St, Suquamish, WA 98392

The Skokomish Tribe

The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe

Not in Kitsap? Enter your address into the interactive Native Land map to learn about the land you inhabit: https://native-land.ca/ 

 Election Day is Upon Us!

Here’s your reminder to return your ballot by 8pm on November 8th. Tired of this year’s political ads? Come to the museum and see some political memorabilia from years past. Museum volunteer, Robert Reynolds, has graciously offered to loan items from his large collection of political stickers, buttons, and other memorabilia. We’ll supplement those items with some from Kitsap County History. This lobby exhibit will open on November 4th for First Friday Art Walk at 5pm.

KHM Photo Archives: 1966.023.533 

 Big Green Book Holiday Flash Sale is BACK!

Nov. 25-28

Black Friday – Cyber Monday

For a limited time, Kitsap County: A History will be on sale for $9.99! Purchase in store during open hours or buy online to pick up at the Museum.

Holiday Hours:

Thurs 11/24 Closed

Fri 11/25 10:00am-4:00pm

Sat 11/26 noon-4:00pm

October’s History Uncorked was a scary good time!

We brought up a few 1930’s era artifacts to set the stage for last month’s topic – the Erland’s Point Massacre of March 28, 1934. The original crime scene photos were also on display for those that wanted to view them.

It was a gruesome and tragic story where 6 people were murdered in Bremerton. Deena Taylor, of the Bremelore podcast, lead us through the possible motives – Was it a robbery gone wrong? Was it a hired hit? Some say rum running or gambling was the cause.

The next History Uncorked will take place in the new year – stay tuned!

Eat Your Way ends the year in Seabeck!

Thanks to everyone that joined us for the 2022 Eat Your Way Through Kitsap History series! We finished the year with a hearty, logger’s breakfast at the historic Seabeck Conference Center. Executive Director Chuck Kraining shared his extensive knowledge of this rustic site and the lifestyle it offered when the Washington Mill Company, a thriving lumber mill and shipbuilding center, had Seabeck humming in the late 1880’s.

Spotlight on Sara Nell Davis

I have served as board secretary since 2009. I especially enjoyed editing the quarterly newsletter for several years and organizing Eat Your Way Through Kitsap programs. I believe a history museum plays a key role in the cultural life of the community. Learning the stories that are the background to current-day Kitsap is fun and enriching. The museum staff and volunteers are a dedicated, delightful crew. I feel fortunate to be a part of the KCHS team. It’s rewarding volunteer work.