General Info

About our Organization. Past Presidents When you think about a "historical society, " you probably think of a bunch of old people, sitting around with knitting on our laps or whittling a piece of wood, watching dust gather on a bunch of old logging equipment, right? Well, that's not us! We are a pro-active historical organization, and the work we do is essential to the communities of Kitsap County. The best work we do takes place IN the towns around us, tracing our birthrights and heritage. We are passionate about the history of this region, and feel that the lives and experiences of those who have gone before us are treasures that should be kept safe. We are a balance of old and young people of varied pasts and cultures, joined together for a common cause. We are not satisfied to merely watch over some old farm equipment. ( OK, some of us are "more experienced" and a bit long in the tooth, and we are known to occasionally dabble in crafts that can be done from a rocking chair. But we are energetic and young at heart. Our younger members provide the inspiration! ) KCHS owns and maintains a wonderful museum in Bremerton, Washington, across Puget Sound from Seattle. Bremerton is one of the Pacific Northwest's oldest and most storied communities, and has been the home of the largest Navy yard on the West Coast since the turn of the century. While the museum effectively serves as Bremerton's historical centerpiece, it also reflects the larger scope of our effort the history of all of Kitsap County. This includes larger communities such as Port Orchard, Silverdale, Poulsbo, & Bremerton and smaller communities such as Olalla, Chico, Tracyton, Gorst, and Manette. We're dedicated to discovering the origins of all of this, and we have made it our business to document that history and serve as caretakers of that rich past so that it can be studied and enjoyed by future generations. "The museum exhibits are just a small piece of what we do ; The essence of our work lies in projects like the Kitsap History Book and the Historic Sites Program. This is very important and significant work!" Mark Williamson, KCHS President. ( Photo provided by Gary Beanland. ) The historical society and museum are interdependent. The museum serves as a tourist attraction and research center, while the historical group works within the communities we serve. The museum houses some extremely important collections, and the always expanding exhibits are a marvel to see: everything from a simulated Main Street, to a doctor's office, a school, a dry goods store and a floating loggers cabin. Period clothes and tools are displayed, as well as memorabilia from the eras and cultures that have colored Puget Sound. Of course, the famed "Mosquito Fleet" steamships and the United States Navy are well-represented, as are the homesteaders, fishermen, and Native Americans.