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Primary sourcePhotograph2 August 1898

Reception at Washington Place on Queen Liliuokalani's Return, August 1898

Frank Davey · 2 August 1898

A photograph of a crowd gathered at Washington Place to welcome Queen Liliʻuokalani home from Washington, D.C., in August 1898.

Documents the public welcome given to Liliʻuokalani on her return from Washington, D.C., showing her continued popular support.

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Black-and-white photograph of a crowd gathered before a two-story wooden colonial-style building with columns and balconies. A banner reading PUMEHANA hangs over the entrance, where men in dark suits and hats stand on steps; women in long dresses and hats and children stand in the front yard.
Frank Davey, Reception at Washington Place on Queen Liliuokalani's Return, 2 August 1898. Courtesy of the Bishop Museum.

About this source

What it is

This photograph by Frank Davey, taken on 2 August 1898, shows a large crowd gathered outside a colonial-style wooden building decorated with a banner reading 'PUMEHANA'. It documents a reception held upon Queen Liliʻuokalani's return from a visit to Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The gathering shows the continuing loyalty and affection many Hawaiians held for their former queen even after the overthrow of the monarchy and during the period leading to annexation. It reflects her ongoing role as a symbol for Hawaiian people, even without political power.

Look closer

  • What does the size and composition of the crowd suggest about her standing among Hawaiians at the time?
  • What might the word on the banner mean to the people gathered there?
  • What does this photograph not tell us about the political situation in Hawaiʻi at this time?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Queen Liliʻuokalani on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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