PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the 150th birthday of the historic Rothschild House at 418 Taylor St.
The historical society will host an open house and party in the Rothschild House Gardens from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by docent tours from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cake and punch will be served and there will be announcements about the society’s plans for the facility’s restoration over the next two years, including major improvements to the home’s foundation and windows.
Remarks from the descendants of the family and Washington State Parks will commence at 1:30 p.m., with encouragement to the community to help support the repainting of the home’s exterior.
The historical society asks that prospective attendees RSVP for the fete by calling 360-385-1003 or emailing nps_isb@nps.gov.
Garden party attire will be encouraged and guests of all ages are welcome.
Parking at the house will be reserved for those who need added accessibility.
Ample street parking is available for others.
The historic house, managed by the historical society and owned by Washington State Parks, provides the Rothschild family story, as well as exhibits a window to Port Townsend’s early years.
Enterprising retailer D.C.H. Rothschild was born in Bavaria in 1824 and settled in Port Townsend in 1858. His business was called Kentucky Store and was later changed to Rothschild and Co. Mercantile, selling varied merchandise, according to the historical society website.
Rothschild had his family home built in 1868. His widow, Dorette, remained in the house until her death in 1918, allowing only minimal changes, such as the installation of a bathroom.
Her daughter lived there for nearly 78 years, until her death in 1954.
The house was occupied only by the Rothschild family. The last surviving member, Eugene, donated the house to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
It opened to the public as a historic site in 1962, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
