Office Of The Governor News Release: Fit For A Queen: How Washington Place Came To Be

Statement

This spring, Washington Place celebrated the 175th anniversary of its construction. The public is invited to attend the ongoing festivities this summer, starting with an afternoon of presentations on Saturday, July 16, 2022, by historic architect Katie Stephens (Architects Hawaii Ltd.) and historian Douglas Askman, Ph.D. (Hawaiʻi Pacific University).

Stephens is a leading expert on the architecture of Washington Place and will focus on the home's construction in the 1840s, and how and why it changed over time to suit the needs of its residents, from Queen Liliʻuokalani to the state's governors.

Dr. Askman bears the distinction of having visited every governors' mansion in the United States. His engaging talk will put Washington Place into context with these other homes and explain its unique history as the home to Hawaiian royalty.

Prior to the lecture, starting at 3 pm, guests will be able to explore the home and see the new exhibit dedicated to Queen Liliʻuokalani. The presentations will begin at 4:15 pm and conclude at 5:30 pm. Q&A to follow.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Guests can register here: https://wp175lectures.eventbrite.com

Link can also be found at washingtonplace.hawaii.gov

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, masks are strongly encouraged.

On March 31, Governor Ige signed a proclamation commemorating the 175th anniversary of the home, and keiki from around Hawai"i performed hula in honor of the home's longest historical resident, Queen Lili"uokalani. First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige unveiled a new exhibit on the home's second floor dedicated to telling the Queen's story. April and May saw open-house events that welcomed hundreds of visitors to the home, and KHON2 aired a televised documentary covering much of the home's past and present life.

For more information about Washington Place's history, 175th-Anniversary events and how to take regular in-person or virtual tours, visit https://washingtonplace.hawaii.gov/.

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