EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH KITSAP HISTORY

This popular program allows us to share some of the rich history of Kitsap County that we cannot share within the confines of the museum. Meet up at places of historical significance throughout the county, hear the stories and learn its history and then follow it up with a meal at a nearby establishment. Each year features different places and different culinary experiences, see below for this year’s events.

Menu

1st Course

Burley & the Utopian Brotherhood

Saturday, May 25th

11:00 AM

$45 PER PERSON ($40 KHM MEMBERS)

*Price includes meal

In Burley, on the shores of Carr Inlet in South Kitsap, a 103-year-old community hall, original houses, a cemetery, and pilings of a pier speak of an attempt at a communal settlement there from 1898 until 1912. The settlers of the Burley Co-operative Brotherhood—one of five utopian communities in Puget Sound at that time—cleared the land and shared in the operation of a lumber mill, an orchard, a fruit cannery, a printing press and a cigar factory. Burley Historian, Kevin LaCombe, will be our guide and for this fascinating chapter in Kitsap history. We will meet in the historic community hall for an introduction to Burley. Then, following either a picnic lunch in Burley Park or lunch in the hall, depending on weather, we will have the opportunity to take a short to walk to several of the original houses and tour the cemetery, including a look at the dam across Burley Creek that was the water supply for the colony.

*Sponsored by: Carolyn McClurkan

2nd Course

Jackson & Ivy Green Cemeteries

Saturday, June 22nd

10:30am

$45 PER PERSON ($40 KHM MEMBERS)

*Price includes meal

Nestled within a once-expansive 125-acre parcel on Phinney Bay in Bremerton, the Jackson Cemetery stands as a poignant relic of a vibrant native homestead. Acquired by Charles Jackson in 1897, this intimate resting place is all that remains of a community that once thrived with close to 200 Suquamish natives. Mounting taxes and external pressures compelled families like the Jacksons to part with their ancestral lands, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and remembrance. Betty Pasco, Charles Jackson’s great-granddaughter, graciously shares the stories and history of this special place as our guide. Join us on a journey of discovery and reflection as we honor the enduring spirit of the past.

We’ll then venture a few miles down the road to Ivy Green Cemetery where Mick Hersey, a long-time volunteer and grave stone restorer, will be our guide. Ivy Green is steeped in rich military history and civic heritage, and serves as a poignant tribute to Bremerton’s past.  We’ll visit the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and a Civil War hero gravesite. Ivy Green Cemetery also stands as a final resting place for legendary Bremertonian families like the Dietz, Warren, Gorst, and Harrison’s. We’ll end our tour with a delightful lunch at Evergreen Pizza down the street.

*Sponsored by: Suquamish Foundation

3rd Course

Heronswood garden tour

Thursday, July 18th

11:00 AM

$45 per person ($40 KHM Members)

*Price incluDes Meal

Calling all plant enthusiasts! If you haven’t experienced the magic of Heronswood Gardens yet, now’s your chance—it’s an absolute must-see! And if you’ve had the pleasure before, you’ll know it’s a place worth revisiting time and time again. Join us for a guided tour led by one of the garden’s passionate caretakers, who will unveil the secrets of this botanical wonderland. Nestled away like a hidden treasure, Heronswood Gardens promises an enchanting retreat for nature lovers of all kinds. Wander along meandering pathways adorned with an extraordinary array of rare and exotic plants, each corner bursting with vibrant colors and tranquil beauty. And the adventure doesn’t end there—after our tour, we’ll treat ourselves to a delightful picnic lunch amidst the serenity of the gardens. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

*Sponsored by: Steve & Marcia Brixey

4th Course

Historic Crosby Community

Wednesday, August 7th

11:00 am

$45 per person ($40 KHM Members)

*Price includes meal

Join us as we travel into the past to Crosby, once also known as Beaver Valley, rich with stories of early settlers, many of whom were drawn to the area in the 1880s for work at the Seabeck mill. One pioneer, Nathaniel Sargent, was a Black man who had a remarkable story and served as a justice of the peace in Seabeck. The Crosby Community Club, incorporated in 1921, still has an active membership that meets in the historic former school that is identical to the former Seabeck and Holly schools. After the program, we will travel back to Holly Road to enjoy lunch at the colorful Camp Union Saloon, full of its own logging history.

 

*Sponsored by: Sig & Bonnie Chrey and Rich & Taffy Satter

5th Course

Discover Eglon

Saturday, September 21

11:00 AM

$45 Per Person ($40 KHM Members)

*Price Includes Meal

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and step into the enchanting world of Eglon, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered! Tucked away in its own secluded haven, Eglon exudes an irresistible charm that transports you to a bygone era of simplicity and community spirit. Embark on a journey through time as we explore its historic community center and charming church, each brimming with tales of yesteryear just waiting to be shared. Originally known as Silver Creek, by one of the early settlers, Charles Silver, this quaint village was eventually named Eglon. Before the advent of modern roads, Eglon’s only lifeline was the Mosquito Fleet and the sturdy rowboats. Join us on a captivating tour of Eglon and become enchanted by its timeless allure and the captivating stories that have shaped its identity as a true gem of Kitsap County. We’ll continue to enjoy this tranquil place with a picnic style lunch in the historic hall.

*Sponsored by: Chris & Bill Slach

6th Course

Filipino American Community Hall

Saturday, October 19th

11:00 am

$45 Per person ($40 KHM Members)

*Price Includes Meal

Step into the vibrant heart of Bainbridge Island’s Filipino American Community Hall and prepare to explore its rich cultural heritage! Our tour guide, Gina Corpuz – Indipino elder and educator, offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Filipino immigrants on Bainbridge, showcasing their enduring contributions to the island’s unique tapestry. We’ll also dive into the captivating story of the Indipino community, where Indigenous and Filipino cultures intertwined to create a unique community of its own. Join us for a journey filled with stories of resilience, friendship, and celebration, as we explore the halls of the Community Hall together. Whether you’re a history buff or simply eager to learn something new about your area, our tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the diverse mosaic of Bainbridge Island’s past and present. Lunch will be provided at the Hall.

*Sponsored by: Darrell & Nina Hallett

*This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Suquamish Tribe and Suquamish Foundation.

Also made possible in part by a grant from the Port Gamble S’Kallam Nation.