Jefferson County group takes over house museum

PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Historical Society became the official manager of the Commanding Officer’s Quarters at Fort Worden State Park in a brief but colorful ceremony Tuesday.

Vicki Davis, historical society president, signed the contract on the desk in the office of the three-story residence on the bluff, the home of the fort’s commanding officer during its half century as an Army post.

New management

The historical society is taking over management of the house museum from the Fort Worden Heritage Group, a group of volunteers who served for 30 years.

“The state owns it, we operate it and the community still gets to enjoy it,” Davis said. “It’s a win-win-win situation for everybody.”

The state park has been looking for a partner organization to run the house museum since last spring, when the Heritage Group decided to no longer take on the full responsibility.

Several groups applied, park manager Kate Burke said, but the historical society shared the state park’s mission of stewardship of the park’s history.

“We already had a partnership going with the Jefferson County Historical Society with the Rothschild House,” Burke said, referring to a state park house museum in Port Townsend that the group also manages. “It seemed like a perfect fit.”

Burke also presented Bill Conklin, former manager of the COQ for the Heritage Group, with a framed certificate of appreciation signed by State Parks Director Rex Durr.

Docents who volunteered with the Heritage Group, including Conklin, will continue to volunteer at the house, which will be managed by Steve Bailey.

In honor of the posting, Bailey ordered an 1899 U.S. Army Coast Artillery day uniform, which he wore to the signing ceremony.

Conklin and George Thomsen, who portray Capt. Manus McCloskey and Col. Clarence Deems, respectively, two commanding officers who served the fort, came in uniform, as did George Wagner, in a sergeants’s uniform. Docent Joan Thomsen was attired as Col. Deems’ wife.

“I cannot give enough praise to Bill Conklin and his volunteers with the Heritage Group for the excellent job they have done running the COQ for so many years,” Bill Tennent, historical society director, said. “They have set a high standard for the historical society to maintain.”

Activities planned at the house include a military history summer camp for boys and special Father’s Day activities for dads, Tennent said.

A special passport will be issued to allow visitors to see the COQ, Rothschild House and the Jefferson County Historical Museum for a reduced rate, Tennent said.

The COQ will be open weekends until June, then daily throughout the summer.

________

Jennifer Jackson can be reached at jjackson@olypen.com.

More in Life

PLAL Aritist of the Month - Ruby Beach and Destruction Island by Steve Deligan
Port Ludlow Arts League to host artist reception

The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception… Continue reading

Photos by Katie Newton-Salmon
2024 Sequim and Port Angeles Equestrian teams got off to a great start during its first WAHSET competition, bringing home where they brought home nine first place wins. Top row from left: Katelynn Sharpe, Kennedy Gilbertson, Savanah Boulton, Celbie Karjalainen, Asha Swanberg
Bottom row left: Coach Misty Gilbertson, PA member Olivia West, Kenzie Winters, Lilly Meyer, Joanna Seelye, Taylor Lewis, Kiaja Johnson, Paisley Morris, PA member Zakara Braun, and coach Ady Crosby. Not pictured non-competing member Paige Reed and advisor Katie Newton.
HORSEPLAY: First high school equestrian event of the year for Sequim

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL’S equestrian team had a “great first meet,” said coach… Continue reading

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Sequim Ballroom intern Brie Rocha follows instructor Werner Figar’s lead as he keeps an eye on his intermediate/advanced swing class.
Dancers work on moves during classes at Sequim schoolhouse

Beginners, intermediate students learn variety of ballroom styles

ISSUES OF FAITH: The courage of religious leaders

“JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALL you pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20). The Jewish Bible, the Tanach,… Continue reading

Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson
Unity in the Olympics service slated

The Rev. Asha Burson-Johnson will be the speaker at… Continue reading

Jamal Rahman
Rahman scheduled for OUUF program

The Imam Jamal Rahman will present “Spiritual Insights and… Continue reading

The USS Argonaught stationed at Pearl Harbor and Brisbane, Australia during WWII.
BACK WHEN: The human cost of war hit the Peninsula in WWII

SEVENTY-NINE YEARS ago the end was in sight for World War 2.… Continue reading

A GROWING CONCERN: Make the most of the last weeks of winter

TODAY IS THE eve of Groundhog Day. Regardless if the furry rodent… Continue reading

Unitarian speaker slated in Port Angeles

The Rev. Terry Barrett will present “The Gift of… Continue reading

Tools for caregivers class set for Sequim

The public is invited to enroll in the Powerful Tools… Continue reading

Prayer gathering for peace slated

Bahá’is of Sequim and Port Angeles will host “Prayers… Continue reading