Men Gather at Museum Event Seeking Valentines – and Beer

Men from around town gathered at the last Thursday to drink beer and scout out possible Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones. The museum hosted the event as part of its efforts to introduce the gift shop to the community.

“We thought Valentine’s Day was the perfect time to do it. And you know men. They always need help with ideas,” said Cheri Johnson, chair of the volunteer committee overseeing the gift shop. “We have things you won’t find elsewhere.”

The museum’s gift shop carries local-oriented items, including original jewelry and art, books on Peninsula history, nostalgic children’s toys and other memorabilia.

Gig Harbor jewelry artists Debbie Jackson and Joan Tenenbaum were on hand during the event to answer questions about their work, while 7 Seas Brewery poured everything from pale ale to stout.

When Patch arrived, the guys appeared more concentrated on their brewskis than gift buying. But Johnson said there were plenty of sales throughout the evening.

The men bought a range of items from jewelry to books. They were also buying Valentines for more than their significant others.

“One man came in and bought some stuffed beavers and bunnies for his grandkids. We all thought that was fun,” Johnson said.

Gift shop sales go to support exhibits and museum operations. All in all, Johnson believes its first men-only event was a success.

“We didn’t really know how it would go,” she said. “But in the end, we were very happy with the results.”