Fifth-generation Shipman descendant and Hilo native Barbara Andersen will tell the story of the Shipman family of Hilo at the Lyman Museum at 7 p.m. Monday, April 16. The story began with a missionary couple, bound for Micronesia but displaced
Fifth-generation Shipman descendant and Hilo native Barbara Andersen will tell the story of the Shipman family of Hilo at the Lyman Museum at 7 p.m. Monday, April 16. The story began with a missionary couple, bound for Micronesia but displaced first to Maui and then to Ka‘u on the Big Island, and includes the founding of a girls boarding school in Hilo, cattle ranching south of Volcano and the establishment of an historic meat market, the purchase of a Victorian mansion on Reeds Island where Queen Lili‘uokalani would play the Steinway after a poi luncheon, a role in saving the nene from extinction and the introduction of many plant species to Hawaii, including the first orchids brought to what would become known as the Orchid Isle.
Today, Andersen operates the historic, restored Shipman House as a monarchy-era, bed-and-breakfast inn. She is also a steward of the family history. Admission is $3, free for museum members. Seating is limited to 65 on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
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. The museum, located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo, is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 935-5021 or visit lymanmuseum.org.
