January 7, 1822 Keyring

Here is a metal keyring featuring the commemorative plaque designed for the First Printing in the Hawaiian Islands which took place on January 7, 1822.

The original Ramage Press was brought by the missionaries in 1820, aboard the Thaddeus. Pictured is Governor of Maui, Ke'eaumoku, taking the first pull. Also present were Rev. Hiram Bingham, Elisha Loomis and James Hunnewell.

The first ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi imprint was a spelling book of 8 double sided pages. In addition to the Baibala, the Printing Press trailblazed the accessibility of a written Hawaiian Language. By the mid 1800s, Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina had one of the highest literacy rates in the world. The design you see on the lapel pin was installed in 1972, fronting the Hale Paʻi on our site, for the 150th anniversary of the first printing in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.

Measures 1.5" diameter