A fresh look inside Fort Worden's Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum

And a brief accounting of the hard work that has made it amazing!

By Kelsey Lang, Interpretive Specialist, Fort Worden State Park

My oh, my! It’s been a busy fall, winter and spring at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum. But before diving into recent developments, let’s rewind a bit. On January 1, 2024, Fort Worden State Park officially assumed operations of the museum from its previous steward, the Jefferson County Historical Society. After thoughtful discussions about goals and the future of both the park and its museums, we collectively agreed that direct oversight by the park was the best path forward.

That first year, I dedicated time to truly understanding the museum — how visitors engaged with it, what questions they asked and what stories remained untold. I also immersed myself in the cultural history of the U.S. Army. As 2024 progressed, I realized it was time to make some changes.

Closeup of census list with magnifying glass — Among the items Kelsey researched was the 13th U.S. census list.

The original displays were informative but leaned heavily on object descriptions. I noticed that families were often hesitant to visit, assuming the museum wasn’t kid-friendly. So, I set out to create more engaging, story-driven exhibits that reflected the cultural atmosphere of the early 1900s. I was fortunate to uncover oral histories and biographies of individuals who had once lived at the fort, which brought a personal, human element to the museum’s narrative.

And of course, scavenger hunts! Not just for kids, but for all ages. Since introducing them, we've seen a significant increase in family visitors, and those who take a scavenger hunt tend to stay twice as long! I also repurposed an old smartphone and used a free app to create a virtual tour for guests unable to access the second floor. Paired with a stereoscope, it even offers a fun, quasi-3D experience.

Display of antique stereoscope, maps and interpretive signage. — Early 20th Century VR? Ask a volunteer to help you look through the stereoscope!

But I didn’t want to stop there. One of the biggest challenges with staged house museums is that they can feel static. With the help of my Skillbridge Intern, we refreshed several displays. We added a mannequin in a striking dress coat and feathered hat to the parlor, installed a faux fireplace in the Commanding Officer’s study to add warmth and opened up the previously closed attic room with a brand-new interactive experience.

Selfie booth in historic home with backdrop, props (umbrella, stole, hat) and mirror — This fun activity awaits you if you reach the top floor of the museum.

Now, visitors who reach the top floor are treated to a lively finish. There’s a selfie station with Edwardian-era props like feathered fans, fur stoles, suspenders, vintage glasses and fake mustaches. We also introduced a craft table featuring 1900s-inspired coloring pages, paper dolls and a nature silhouette activity. For those who enjoy quiet reflection, the Commanding Officer’s logbook invites guests to share thoughts and observations using writing prompts, a fountain pen and a pair of vintage-style binoculars for inspiration.

Behind the scenes, there was just as much effort, especially in cleaning and repairs. SO MUCH DUST! The house hadn’t seen a thorough deep clean in quite some time. Slow winter days were perfect for polishing, and I quickly understood why upper-class families of the time employed staff just to keep up with the upkeep of their finely crafted belongings.

We also began structural repairs, starting with the bathroom ceilings. A huge thank you to our maintenance team for the seamless patchwork — can you even spot where the repairs were made?

Green bathroom with white claw foot tub and sink in a historic home — Visitors can check out the bathroom in the Commanding Officers' Quarters. How does this compare with your bathroom back home?

All these updates were timed for Port Townsend’s Annual Victorian Festival. We capped off the event by inviting participants to the museum for a symbolic transition from the Victorian to Edwardian Era (the period when Fort Worden and this house were built). The Friends of Fort Worden hosted an Edwardian-style picnic on the lawn, complete with croquet and costumed guests. Many attendees said they hadn’t known the museum existed and asked if more themed events were in store. Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up?

This past year has been one of transformation, creativity and renewed purpose at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum. From interactive exhibits to deep-cleaned interiors and lively community events, we’ve breathed new life into this historic space. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to welcoming even more visitors — young, old and everyone in between — to experience history in a whole new way.

Be sure to add the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum to your itinerary next time you visit Fort Worden State Park!