The Hawaiian Historical Society invites its members and the public to an illustrated lecture, Captain John Meek in Hawai‘i, by Gail Hercher at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 24, 2008, at the Kana‘ina Bulding (
In 1824, Captain John Meek of
In Hawai‘i, Meek took on sandalwood, a commodity highly valued by the Chinese. Meek traded directly with King Kamehameha I and other members of Hawaiian royalty. In time, he became a trusted friend and was charged with taking a royal Hawaiian boy to attend school at
Details of Meek’s life in Hawai‘i can be found in early records, journals, and letters at the Hawaiian Historical Society, the Bishop Museum Library and Archives, the Hawai‘i State Archives, and private sources.
From these records, we know that Captain Meek eventually settled in Hawai‘i, where he became a harbor pilot, rancher, and prominent citizen. He married a Hawaiian woman, with whom he had several children. He died in
This illustrated lecture will illuminate Meek’s early life in
Gail Pike Hercher, a longtime resident of
For further information, contact the Hawaiian Historical Society office, 560 Kawaiaha‘o Street,