Story telling this weekend Ft. Nisqually

You certainly can’t drive to Seattle this weekend so let’s plan to meet at Fort Nisqually (Pt. Defiance Park) on Sunday, January 20 (11:00 am to 4:00 pm). The books are here. Heritage cocoa and nibbles are ready – and I have stories to tell that you’ve never heard before.”

The story of Washington Territory started with Fort Nisqually, of course. But why and how did the Fort leave its place in DuPont to live at Point Defiance? It didn’t fly, you know.

Come with your own stories. Let’s have some fun and celebrate this unique place where we live.

Let’s not go to Seattle, though. You know, they think they invented Washington, but they didn’t.

Our state really started right on the shores of Puget Sound. Of course, you’ll have a chance to see, and even acquire a signed copy of True Tales of Puget Sound – those stories you haven’t heard – and I have no hesitation in saying it’s the first true book I’ve written.

I’d say that was really cool, but my kids think I’m too old to know what cool is. As this event is during museum hours, attendees – including me – will pay admission. Admission fees to heritage locations like Fort Nisqually are vital to keep them open but you get a slice of history unequalled anywhere. Here’s what Fort Nisqually’s Jen Johnson says you’ll be able to see on Sunday, January 20th: 

“The Fort Nisqually Museum will be open for self-guided touring, and we’ll have interpretive staff on site that can answer questions about life at the fort, methods, history, etc. The current exhibit in the Great Room is The Art of Agriculture. Even while the laborers toiled in the swamp for the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, a romantic idea of life in the countryside was popular among the 19th century upper classes. This exhibit will explore the contrasts between raising cattle and sheep as depicted in artwork with the realities of life on a Nisqually farm.”

Here are the buildings that will be open that guests may access/tour:

• Large Store
• Granary (from original site in DuPont)
• Blacksmith Shop
• Laborer’s Dwelling
• Factor’s House (from original site in DuPont)
• Poultry House
• Kitchen
• Laundry  
• Smoke House

Jen adds, “As for the admission discount, there is no code word or anything, so as long as people mention you (Dorothy Wilhelm)/your book (True Tales of Puget Sound) when they arrive, we will honor the discount.” So, a discount if you mention Dorothy’s book.

We’ll share stories, and we’ll have fun.

Stay tuned for late breaking news!