Architectural Tour of Gathering Places in East Hawaii

Posted on October 25, 2011 by admin No Comments

HILO, Hawai`i (October 18, 2011)—Did you know that, in 1868, Hilo Union School offered both a free Hawaiian-language curriculum and an English-language one for which they charged?  Or that the royal summer home Niolopa, complete with Hawaiian-style thatched roof, stood where the Hilo Hotel is now?  Do you know the legends of Haili Street?

Hear the stories behind historically significant and culturally rich places with anthropologist and historian Judith Kirkendall, Ph.D. and Leslie Lang, author of Exploring Historic Hilo, on an architectural tour of East Hawaii’s “Gathering Places” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 5.  Seating is limited, so it is suggested to sign up by Wednesday, November 2.

The van tour will begin at the Lyman Museum and include stops at and information about schools, businesses, churches and even a handful of sites where significant bits of our history no longer stand.  Bento lunch and bottled water are included, and are $50 for Museum members and $65 for nonmembers (which includes free Museum admission on tour day).  Tickets may be purchased by calling 935-5021.

“We want to paint a picture for our guests of what Hilo town looked like around the turn of the 20^th century, as well as a bit earlier and later,” said Dr. Kirkendall. “It’s such a rich history.”  Kirkendall and Lang will also lead a “Domestic Structures” tour on Dec. 17. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawai`i to tell the story of its islands and people.  For additional information visit www.lymanmuseum.org.