On October 23, 1819, a double-masted, 85-foot-long ship set sail from Boston Harbor, headed for the Sandwich Islands (Hawai‘i). On board were 14 missionaries and four young Hawaiian men, filled with zeal to bring the gospel to a “heathen” nation.1 After their arrival on April 4, 1820, the relationships cultivated between ali‘i and missionaries indelibly shaped the history of Hawai‘i and led to the founding of Punahou School.
Today, in recognition of these events two hundred years ago, we take the opportunity to reflect on this complex history.
Eia Hawai‘i: 1819 – 1841 consists of three exhibits that invite us to better understand our past.
Exhibit One
This first exhibit of Eia Hawai‘i: 1819 – 1841 explores the events in Hawai‘i and New England before missionaries first arrived in Hawai‘i in 1820.
Exhibit Two
The second exhibit of Eia Hawai‘i: 1819 – 1841 follows the journey of the Thaddeus and explores the first years in Hawai‘i after the arrival of the Pioneer Company of Protestant missionaries.
Exhibit Three
Kauikeaouli was Hawai‘i’s longest-reigning monarch, ruling as Kamehameha III from 1825 – 1854. This exhibit is named “Ke Ao Uli” excerpted from his name, to recognize the King’s pivotal rule during this period.
Credits
Research, Writing and Edits
Laurel Bowers Husain, Carlyn Tani, Cynthia Wessendorf
Exhibit Advisors and Contributors
Malia Ane, Bonnie Christensen, Mari-jo Hirata, Kimo Keaulana, Marion Lyman-Mersereau, Kylee Mar, Puakea Nogelmeier, Dita Ramler-Reppun, Ke‘alohi Reppun, Lynette Roster, Kau‘i Sai-Dudoit, Carlyn Tani, Peter Young
Exhibit Content Review
David Ball, Christopher Cook, Ted Demura-Devore, Emma Maguire, Pam Sakamoto, Erik Swanson, Denise Wong
Project Support
Kathy Nelson and Jim Scott for providing the opportunity for this project.
Noe Archambault and Mike Latham for their ongoing support.
Community Support
American Bible Society
Brook and Deena Parker of HawaiianAtArt in honor of Kame‘e Parker ’18.
Christopher Cook
Hawai‘i State Archives
Hawaiian Mission Houses Museum and Archives: Elizabeth Po‘oloa, Director of Operations and Collections
Honolulu Museum of Art
Ho‘okuleana LLC, Peter T. Young
Iolani Palace
Kamehameha Schools Press
Mānoa Heritage Center
Mokuaikaua Church
Torringford Congregational Church
Ulukau: the Hawaiian Electronic Library
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Library
Williams College Museum of Art
Yale University Art Gallery
In honor of my kūpuna, Mele Holokahiki, Pololū Valley, and Gerrit Parmele Judd, Third Company.