Talk Story Saturdays encourages our communities to learn, share, and engage with each other about Hawaiian History. Dive deep into the Hawaiian Historical Society’s (HHS) stacks with the staff for a special insiders’ look into the rare and unique books and archival material not normally on public view. The hour-long tour will include: an introduction to the Hawaiian Historical Society, a curated exhibit, a chance to interact with historical material as well as an opportunity to learn how to research and access HHS’ resources. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and stay for reference hours until 2:00pm to conduct their own research.
Tours take place on the first Saturday of each month from 10am to 11am with minor exceptions, see schedule below. Tours reflect historical themes that embrace Hawaiʻi’s rich history and are conducted in the Hawaiian Historical Society’s Reading Room, Library & Archives.
Tickets are $15 per individual and free with a paid membership. Please note members will need to pay a $5 reservation fee which is refundable upon attendance with the exception of the December 14, 2024 Talk Story. Seating is limited to 12 guests and registration will close once this threshold is met. In addition to the hour-long tour, each guest will receive a researcher’s toolkit to help with future research at the Hawaiian Historical Society. All funds go towards preserving the collections and to continue this educational program.
Check out the schedule below for dates and themes. Click on the date to register for that particular event. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Read more about Tour Guidelines & Policies.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 10:00am to 11:00am
Celebrating Lā Kūʻokoʻa: The Independence Day of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Hawaiian Independence Day, Lā Kūʻokoʻa, is a national holiday celebrated annually on November 28 to commemorate the signing of the Anglo-Franco Proclamation of 1843, the official diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom by Great Britain and France. Celebrate with us and journey through historical material from manuscripts to oil paintings to learn about events and key historical figures that led to this official diplomatic recognition.
Saturday, December 14, 2024 10:00am to 11:00am 
Christmas in Hawaiʻi
La Krisamaka, Mele Kalikimaka, Merry Christmas are all things to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day! Join us as we talk story about the season of giving. From the diary entry of Alexander Liholiho’s journal in 1850 to when Liholiho is King (Kamehameha IV) declaring December 25, 1862 a government holiday, HHS will feature historical material that highlight the beginnings and traditions of Christmas on the islands.
Following the program will be the From Calendar to Keepsake Ornament Workshop (11:30am to 1:00pm). Learn how to make a one of a kind keepsake ornament from reprinted historical photographs from previous Hawaiian Historical Society’s Calendars. $5 workshop fee includes all supplies needed for one ornament. Stay for the workshop or take your ornament kit to go! Guests will also receive an additional 10% off the 2025 Hawaiian Historical Calendar.
Please note members who attend this Talk Story will not receive a refund as the $5 cost will go towards the ornament kit.
An additional From Calendar to Keepsake Ornament Workshop will be held from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Seating limited to 15 attendees. To register only for the From Calendar to Keepsake Ornament Workshop, click on the date and time. Saturday, December 14, 2024 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Please note members who attend this workshop will not receive a refund as the $5 cost will go towards the ornament kit.
Saturday, January 11, 2025 10:00am to 11:00am
The Origins of the Hawaiian Historical Society 
Come celebrate the Hawaiian Historical Society’s 133rd year anniversary! Following its formal assemblage on January 11, 1892, the First Annual Report of the Hawaiian Historical Society would reiterate the mission of the Society as set out by its own Constitution: “the collection, study, and utilization of all material illustrating the Ethnology, Archaeology and History of the Hawaiian Islands.” Although, HHS’ mission and vision has transformed throughout its time, HHS remains foundationally committed to advancing accessibility and visibility for its historical collection and its responsibility to the humanities.
Explore the history of the Hawaiian Historical Society (HHS) and the treasures from our vault. View the first ʻnūpepa that was printed in Hawaiʻi, Ka Lama Hawaii, and learn how Lahainaluna Seminary was the first Hawaiian Historical Society that laid the foundation for HHS. Listen to the stories of our founding members and benefactors from our first patroness, Queen Liliʻuokalani, to Emma Nakuina, one of the first female members. Historical material on display will include a rare tortoise shell publication, the first book donated to HHS, and correspondence with Queen Liliʻuokalani.