The histories of the historical towns of Port Blakeley (top photo), Silverdale, Olalla, Port Orchard and hundreds of other communities are chronicled in the Big Brown Book, currently undergoing a reprint. Schools, libraries, governments and Native American subjects are included, too.

A third printing of "Kitsap County: A History" is on sale now for the remarkable pre-publication price of $50 plus applicable sales tax. Purchasing it early serves several purposes: First, it helps the Historical Society pay for the pre-press costs; second, it assures you that a personal copy will be reserved in your name; and third, you will be saving a significant amount off of the cover price.
   The book can be purchased through the Museum Gift Store or by calling the society offices. This volume is historical in itself, and there are few communities in the Pacific Northwest -- or, in all of the United States, for that matter -- that can boast such an extensive collection of local histories, letters, public records and photographs in a single volume. Nearly every community in the county -- even some that have since vanished -- are documented.  The histories of their founders, homesteads, businesses, and colorful personalities have been included, as well as the everyday people who laid the groundwork for modern life here. Much of the information is in the form of actual letters and diaries written by the settlers themselves.
   The most recent printing has proven to be a tremendous task, because many of the photographs have been misplaced or are difficult to replicate. The revised volume was originally scheduled to be printed by the end of 2008, but the complexity of the task at hand and the conversion of the contents from 1974 technology to what is used today has been time-consuming. We thank those of you who purchased early copies for their patience.