Field Notes

In this live season-two finale recorded at MOHAI, our host and guest dig into how Seattle was made, from tectonic plates and the Ice Age to the glaciers that deposited our city’s hills, to how land-speculating settlers shaped the ground beneath the city by regrading Denny Hill and creating the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about deep time, terraforming, and how...

In this week’s episode, we explore the history, mystery, and legacy of the Sadako and the Thousand Cranes bronze sculpture in Seattle’s Peace Park . The sculpture honors Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who survived the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing at age two and later died from radiation-induced leukemia at age 12, and who has since become a worldwide symbol of peace through her paper crane foldin...

This week, we ride along with our host and featured guest on the 1 Line as they unpack decades of regional transit history: from the early Link light rail concept in the 1980s to its 1996 inception under Sound Transit to its expansion into a multi-regional rapid transit system across the Puget Sound Region. Hop aboard and hold on, you’re in for a ride! This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and f...

Dive into the fascinating story of Roy Gardner, a notorious American outlaw known, among many things, as the last great American Train Robber in the Roaring Twenties. From his gunrunning days during the Mexican Revolution to his famous escape from the McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary near Steilacoom in 1921, Gardner is widely regarded as “King of the Escape Artists.” Content Warning: This episod...

Uncover the story of Seattle’s Country Doctor Community Clinic, from its formation by anti-war social justice activists to its role as one of Seattle’s first healthcare clinics to welcome HIV+ patients, and its lasting legacy as a patient-centered, community-based healthcare clinic. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Tom Byers with an appearance by Tim Burak. Curated Histor...

Season two of Field Notes kicks off at the legendary Twede's Cafe in North Bend, where our host and special guest dive into the lore of some of Washington State’s iconic diners. Pull up a chair as we journey through time, highlighting the stories and cultural moments from diners of yore; a love letter to diner culture and the places and spaces that feel like a home away from home. This episode is...

The season one finale of Field Notes explores the life and legacy of Seattle music producer Gary Mula and the musical castle he built at The Dutchman Studios. The podcast features archival interview recordings with Mula where he recalls how The Dutchman became a diverse, welcoming mecca for various genres, from grunge to early hip-hop. Ultimately, this episode celebrates Mula's unwavering, communi...

Uncover the history of wildfire management in Washington State, from the tragic 1902 Yakult Burn to the massive 2015 Carlton Complex Fire and learn how these catastrophic events spurred the creation of the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA), a pioneering effort in organized firefighting and resource protection. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Russell Holter....

Dig into the disturbing history of how Snohomish Pioneer, Seattle (Denny Park), and Duwamish Cemeteries were exhumed and their thousands of bodies moved or cremated to accommodate modern development. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Taylor Russell. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Mary Low Sinclair arrives in Cadyville on May 1, 1865 by Warner Bl...

Explore the story of the mighty Douglas Fir 🌲—from its mouse-tail cone legend and 7,000-year history in the Puget Lowland to its key, and sometimes controversial, role in shaping the landscape and lumber boom of Washington state. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest David B. Williams. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Washington Icon: The Douglas Fir...

In this episode, dive into the rich history of the Yakima Valley. We'll uncover how the Valley's landscape was shaped not just by agriculture, but by distinct waves of immigration from diverse communities, and how it has become a powerful hub of political and cultural activism. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Gonzalo Guzmán. Resource Library Curated HistoryLInk article s...

Climb into the history of Washington State as we talk with Art Thiel about what makes the mountains so special. We'll explore the legacy of legendary climbers like Jim Whittaker and Fred Beckey, and discover how this region became a hub for outdoor innovation, giving rise to iconic brands like REI. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Art Thiel. Curated HistoryLInk article se...

In HistoryLink's new podcast, "Field Notes", we journey with site users 'in the field' to experience Washington state history brought to life through a curated selection of HistoryLink articles.