Program Overview
You don’t need to be a student or live near a college to hear an intriguing talk from a scholar or expert. In communities throughout Washington State, Speakers Bureau presenters give free public presentations on history, politics, music, philosophy, spiritual traditions, and everything in between.
Our roster of 34 Speakers Bureau presenters is made up of professors, artists, activists, historians, performers, journalists, and others—all chosen not only for their expertise, but also for their ability to inspire discussion with people of all ages and backgrounds. Hundreds of Speakers Bureau events take place each year. Each talk lasts about an hour.
To reach as many Washingtonians as possible, we partner with a wide range of organizations, including libraries, schools, museums, historical societies, retirement homes, community centers, and civic organizations. These organizations host and publicize the events.
Find a Speakers Bureau event near you. We also encourage nonprofit organizations to host a speaker.
Speakers Bureau is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the State of Washington via the Office of the Secretary of State, and the Thomas S. Foley Institute of Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.
Upcoming Events
Washington on Wheels: Odd and Innovative Transportation Ideas from the Pacific Northwest
Though Boeing is the best-known innovator in travel to have emerged from Washington State, there are many others. From canoe journeys to flying cars (that actually worked!), explore the history and culture of travel in Washington State. Author and broadcaster Harriet Baskas takes audiences on a tour of notable highlights of state transportation history, examining […]
- When
- 1:00 pm, Tuesday
July 16, 2019 - Where
- North Mason Timberland Library
23081 NE State Route 3
Belfair, WA 98528 United States
Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words—both real and imagined—are known throughout the world. The result is a man made up of both historical and fictional aspects, from which conflicting messages can be gleaned. David M. Buerge, a biographer and a historian to the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother’s people, spent more […]
- When
- 1:00 pm, Thursday
July 18, 2019 - Where
- Hibulb Cultural Center
6410 23rd Ave NE
Tulalip, Washington 98271 United States
Are Salmon Doomed? Hatching a Plan to Save a Northwest Icon
An environmental necessity, a vital economic resource, and a cultural symbol, salmon play a fundamental role in the Pacific Northwest—but they are in trouble. With warming oceans, environmental degradation, and lowering genetic variability, wild salmon populations are dwindling. Climatologist Nick Bond explores the past, present, and possible future conditions for salmon in our state, and […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Sunday
July 21, 2019 - Where
- Mary Olson Farm
28728 Green River Rd SE
Kent, WA 98030 United States
Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words—both real and imagined—are known throughout the world. The result is a man made up of both historical and fictional aspects, from which conflicting messages can be gleaned. David M. Buerge, a biographer and a historian to the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother’s people, spent more […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Saturday
July 27, 2019 - Where
- Centralia Timberland Library
110 S. Silver Street
Centralia, WA 98531 United States
Four-Color Reality: How Comic Books and the Real World Shape Each Other
Since their debut in the 1930s, comic books have been a regular part of our pop-culture landscape. While often dismissed as escapist entertainment, these pulp treasures also provide a fascinating lens through which to view our nation’s past, present and potential future. In this interactive presentation, journalist and educator T. Andrew Wahl explores how everything […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Thursday
August 1, 2019 - Where
- Blaine Public Library
610 3rd Street
Blaine, WA 98230 United States
Sometimes Heroes: America’s Changing Relationship with Its Veterans
“Support our troops” is a common phrase, seen on lawn signs and bumper stickers across America. Veterans are welcomed home by enthusiastic crowds, and thousands of service organizations help veterans find jobs, secure housing, and heal from the experience of war. But it wasn’t always this way. Veterans returning from Vietnam were often greeted by […]
- When
- 10:00 am, Saturday
August 3, 2019 - Where
- Burbank Library
875 Lake Rd
Burbank, WA 99323 United States
Sometimes Heroes: America’s Changing Relationship with Its Veterans
“Support our troops” is a common phrase, seen on lawn signs and bumper stickers across America. Veterans are welcomed home by enthusiastic crowds, and thousands of service organizations help veterans find jobs, secure housing, and heal from the experience of war. But it wasn’t always this way. Veterans returning from Vietnam were often greeted by […]
- When
- 1:00 pm, Saturday
August 3, 2019 - Where
- Touchet Community Library
161 Hansen Road
Touchet, WA 99360 United States
Sometimes Heroes: America’s Changing Relationship with Its Veterans
“Support our troops” is a common phrase, seen on lawn signs and bumper stickers across America. Veterans are welcomed home by enthusiastic crowds, and thousands of service organizations help veterans find jobs, secure housing, and heal from the experience of war. But it wasn’t always this way. Veterans returning from Vietnam were often greeted by […]
- When
- 1:00 pm, Sunday
August 4, 2019 - Where
- Plaza Library
1640 Plaza Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362 United States