Invisible Histories

06/11/2026

We love to see this kind of local historical preservation, and sharing these kinds of personal histories!
Go check out the Rolf Neslund display at the Log House Museum.
Our own Andy Bookwalter played the weary spirit of Rolf at our Harbor Island event in April and we hope to reprise the role again!

MV Antonino Chavez Freighter Pilot Rolf Neslund is known for ramming the freighter Chavez into the West Seattle Bridge on June 11, 1978, forty-eight years ago today. This fateful accident eventually produced the current high-level bridge which stands today.
A bust of Rolf Neslund was placed by the bridge in 2020 by an anonymous artist known as Lars Fujikawa. It was credited to the “Delridge Maritime Historical Society and the Center for General Annoyance.” Amidst a series of vandalizations, repairs, and replacements, the bust was saved by neighbor Rose Feliciano and replaced, presumably by the original artist. SWSHS is accepting the bust as a loan as efforts to contact the original artist continue.
You can learn about Rolf Neslund, the transformation of the West Seattle Bridge, and his grisly fate in the Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s upcoming permanent exhibit, expected to open next month at the Log House Museum.

06/11/2026

Check out our latest episode! Join us as we dive into Seattle's hidden histories! From the Klondike Gold Rush to the Hooverville experience, our latest episode explores the stories that shaped our city. Don't miss it!

06/09/2026

We are seeking personal histories about extending the Seattle Monorail in the late 90s to early 2000s.
Did you (or someone you know) work/volunteer with the Elevated Transportation Company (ETC)?
Do you remember your vote(s) for or against the Monorail? What can we learn from our collective transportation history in this region?

We want to share a "people's history" of the Monorail for our August 2026 episode, so please get in touch!
Cascade of History History Link Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Dow Constantine Jean Sherrard

06/09/2026

Join us as we dive into Seattle's S**O hidden histories! From the Klondike Gold Rush to the Hooverville experience, our latest episode explores the stories that shaped our city. Join us on this historical journey and discover the past like never before!
Don't miss it!

05/28/2026

Paul Dorpat, you will be missed!
We were thrilled to meet you via Clay and Jean Sherrard, and wish you all the best in the land beyond the here and now.
You helped bring public history onto the streets, and give the lesser-known people and places 'vox populi.' We hope to continue your legacy!
Bothell Historical Society & Museum Cascade of History McMenamins History Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) History Link

Paul Dorpat, Seattle historian and counterculture chronicler, 87 By Jean Sherrard and Clay Eals Seattle’s leading public historian has officially joined his city’s past. Paul Dorpat, who helped sha…

05/08/2026

High praise from the Seattle Times Rant and Rave scene in Seattle 😃
Thank you, we appreciate your kind words!

Also, people, ya know, um... stop tossing bags of poo in people's yards!!

05/06/2026

May 2026 Episode!
🌲✨ Join us as we dive into the heart of natural burial with Michelle Hogle Acciavatti, and the Vermont Forest Cemetery. Discover how .forest.cemetery is redefining death care, creating a space for community, and forest conservation.

This episode is not just for those planning their end-of-life arrangements; it’s for anyone interested in exploring the deeper meanings of life, death, and our relationship with the environment. Join us as we navigate these profound topics and discover how we can create a more compassionate and sustainable approach to death care.

Tune in now to hear Michelle's inspiring story and learn more about Vermont Forest Cemetery's mission to redefine how we think about burial and remembrance.
Visit: www.invisible-histories.com/episodes for show notes and more information.

Listen now!
📸Vermont Forest Cemetery:
2-Barbi's grave
3-Lowering SharonLee
4-Casket that Tom built for Brenda
5-Brenda's Rose
6-Decorating Brenda's grave

05/05/2026

Thank you, Bothell Historical Society & Museum! We had such a great time and can't wait to visit again!

Last week we had an amazing turn out for the Lazy Husbands McMenamin’s Lecture! Looking forward to seeing you all at our next event Petals on the River. More info to come!

04/29/2026

We had a blast at the April History Pub at sharing our research and stories about the Lazy Husbands Farm and other work houses and poor farms in King County. Thanks to the 100+ history lovers who came out!
We even found the historic "Lazy Husband's Road" located in Bothell, Wa.
Thanks to Bothell Historic Society
And the awesome staff for a really fun night!
See you next time!