Explore the past and present near San Juan Island's American Camp

For the past 20 years, Julie Stein, executive director of the Burke Museum and a professor of Archaeology at the University of Washington, has led walking tours on the southern edge of San Juan Island in Washington’s Strait of Juan de Fuca within the Salish Sea. The people who come on these tours are curious about one thing: stories of people and place. And on Julie’s tour, those stories extend back thousands of years.

This year marked what may be Julie’s last tour, but if you didn’t get to go on one, you can still draw on your powers of observation and curiosity—as well as this DIY (do-it-yourself) tour guide—to enjoy a rich investigation into the past and present of San Juan Island.

Julie Stein, executive director of the Burke Museum, has offered archaeology-based walking tours on San Juan Island for the past 20 years, but the premise of her tours can be readily adapted by anyone—it all starts with questions. Photo credit: John Howell, Cedar River Group

7 good reads recommended by Burke staff

Tell us what you're reading this summer 
in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter. 
Photo: Simon Cocks / Creative Commons

Whether you're heading out on the road or hanging out in the sun, summer is a great time to explore new worlds through reading.

The following seven books are recommended by Burke staff for your summertime enjoyment—whether you like the prehistoric or present, natural history or culture—or all of it!

Be sure to check out the end of this post for museum-related offers for summertime readers.

Conservation Stories From Behind the Lens

Each of the 75 photographs featured in our International Conservation Photography Awards exhibit tells a unique and compelling story about a beautiful moment in nature. One that we, as viewers, individually interpret based on our life experiences and understanding of the natural world.

From photographs of tiny creatures to enormous environmental changes, I couldn't help but want to know more... What inspired the photographer to seek out this moment in nature? What is the message they want to convey with their work? How did they get that amazing shot?

I sat down with several of the award-winning photographers and asked if they would be willing to share their story. Here's what Seattle-based bird and wildlife photographer Paul Bannick, Victoria, British Columbia-based photographer TJ Watt, and South Africa-based photographer Cheryl-Samantha Owen each had to say:

Arctic Emissary


Cape Gannet Rescue


Last Stands


Posted by Cathy Britt, Digital Communications

What do YOU want to protect?
From the bird’s nest in your backyard to that spot on the hiking trail where you feel totally alone… from the tiny park down the block to a tree frog half a world away… what matters to you? Share your photo in our Conservation Candids Flickr group!