We connect the future, through the present, with the past. Since 1948, the North Olympic History Center (formerly Clallam County Historical Society), has been dedicated to keeping the history of the North Olympic Peninsula alive. The Center operates three facilities: a research library, an active artifact collection pertaining to Clallam County, and the historic Lincoln School which is currently being restored.
The open house art exhibit today, Sunday June 2, at the old Lincoln School in Port Angeles was quite spectacular. Sorry you missed it. But.... you have another opportunity!
The exhibit may still be viewed through the month of June by making arrangements with the History Center by calling (360) 452-2662.
Admission is by donation.
Port Angeles Gun Club, painting by Thomas Guptil, 1938
It is only fitting that the North Olympic History Center/Clallam County Historical Society and the Olympic Peninsula Art Association partner to celebrate the visual art and artists of Clallam County in a special exhibit entitled “Art as Artifact.” They are joined by The Messy Palettes of Clallam Bay and the Far West Art League. The show takes place on Sunday, June 2, from 1-4 p.m. at the old Lincoln School site at the corner of 9th and C Streets, Port Angeles. Parking and entry are on the west side of the school off West 9th.
Visual arts community members have supported the goals and enhanced the collection of the History Center for over 60 years. They have also contributed to many fundraising events.
The collection of artwork to be shown is owned by the History Center and has been donated by estates, artists and owners of artwork. This is an opportunity for the community to view most of the collection which includes artwork from the 1890s to present. All pieces presented in this show were created in Clallam County by residents at the time.
The opportunity to share this priceless collection comes because the community has supported the Center’s fundraising efforts over the years. Recently, state-of-the art storage units were installed in the Artifact Storage Facility. Items had to be removed from the original old storage and temporarily stored in Lincoln School. When volunteers saw the wonders of the collection, it was decided that the public should have the opportunity to see the collection as well. A highlight of this exhibit is the 13 ft. x 3 ft. painting of the Port Angeles Gun Club, done by Thomas Guptill in 1938. The club is still located east of Port Angeles. Then there is a collection of Esther Webster’s large, colourful, expressive pieces. Paintings by Minerva Troy and Gustav Kalling are some of the earliest pieces. Also featured is a collection of water colors by Joy McCarter done from the 1970s to the 1980s. There are over 300 pieces being shown in this collection representing over 60 artists.
Silk artist Karen Sistek has donated one of her florals for a raffle to benefit the History Center.
History Tales is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For further information, please call the History Center’s office at 360-452-2662 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For the month of June, the art show will be open by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Students Teach the Community About Clallam County History
Hands on History is a program of the North Olympic History Center begun in 2017. Students in grades 6 through 12 research a submit of Clallam County history, submit a written paper, prepare a visual display about their subject, and make a public presentation. Students become the teachers of our county's history!
Scholarships are awarded for the best work in junior and senior categories each year. Students consistently tell us that they enjoy the program for their own personal interest and growth through the experience.
We are extremely proud of these young people for their hard work and for their interest in keeping local history alive!
Follow the links below to read the papers presented by these students:
When War Put Clallam County to Work, Aiden Gale, 2019
Skiing at Deer Park and Hurricane Ridge, Peter Zalenka, 2019
Lake Crescent Ferries, Peter Zalenka.pdf, 2018
Lake Ozette, by Emaleigh Smith. 2018
Minerva Troy, byCecilia Estrada Elena.pdf, 2018
The_Manis Mastodon Site, Raven Taylor.pdf, 2018
Unleashing the Beast, Talia Anderson, Abby Sanders, anclad Maizie Tucker.pdf, 2018
As part of their research project and presentation "Unleashing the Beast - The Elwha River Restoration Project", Talia Anderson, Abby Sanders and Maizie Tucker also produced a video which can be seen here: The Elwha: A Fight for Cultural and Scientific Rights, 2018