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 35 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, the Satterberg Foundation, the Women’s History Consortium, The Boeing Company, the Norcliffe Foundation, and generous contributions from other businesses, foundations, and individuals.
Upcoming Events
Over the past few years, the question “Are you a feminist?” has become the new litmus test for young female celebrities. Their responses—which vary from Lady Gaga’s “I’m not a feminist. I hail men, I love men,” to Madonna’s “I’m not a feminist, I’m a humanist”—indicate a lack of clarity on what the term means, […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Monday
July 23, 2018 - Where
- Sequim Branch Library
630 N. Sequim Ave.
Sequim, WA 98382 United States
Over the past few years, the question “Are you a feminist?” has become the new litmus test for young female celebrities. Their responses—which vary from Lady Gaga’s “I’m not a feminist. I hail men, I love men,” to Madonna’s “I’m not a feminist, I’m a humanist”—indicate a lack of clarity on what the term means, […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Tuesday
July 24, 2018 - Where
- Port Angeles Main Library
2210 S. Peabody St.
Port Angeles, WA 98368 United States
Emerald Street: Race, Class, Culture, and the History of Hip Hop in the Northwest
From its beginnings in 1979, to Sir Mix-a-lot’s “Posse on Broadway,” to Macklemore, Northwest hip hop has been informed by local history as well as the diversity that defined the scene. Discover the history behind not only the Northwest’s Grammy-winning rappers, but its world champion break dance crew, its internationally read hip-hop magazine, the producers […]
- When
- 7:00 pm, Tuesday
July 24, 2018 - Where
- Lakewood Pierce County Library
6300 Wildaire Rd SW
Lakewood, WA 98499 United States
Emerald Street: Race, Class, Culture, and the History of Hip Hop in the Northwest
From its beginnings in 1979, to Sir Mix-a-lot’s “Posse on Broadway,” to Macklemore, Northwest hip hop has been informed by local history as well as the diversity that defined the scene. Discover the history behind not only the Northwest’s Grammy-winning rappers, but its world champion break dance crew, its internationally read hip-hop magazine, the producers […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Wednesday
July 25, 2018 - Where
- Woodmont Library
26809 Pacific Highway S.
Des Moines, WA 98198 United States
Over the past few years, the question “Are you a feminist?” has become the new litmus test for young female celebrities. Their responses—which vary from Lady Gaga’s “I’m not a feminist. I hail men, I love men,” to Madonna’s “I’m not a feminist, I’m a humanist”—indicate a lack of clarity on what the term means, […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Wednesday
July 25, 2018 - Where
- Clallam Bay Branch Library
16990 Highway 112
Clallam Bay, WA 98326 United States
The Pine and the Cherry: Japanese Americans in Washington
In the lead-up to World War II, Japantown in Seattle featured grocery stores, cafes, and native-language services, as well as labor and music clubs. Trading companies imported Japanese goods, and restaurants served the familiar sukiyaki, tofu, and miso soup. In Eastern Washington, Japanese farmers prospered. Then came Executive Order 9066. Those born in Japan, as […]
- When
- 2:00 pm, Sunday
July 29, 2018 - Where
- Schack Art Center
2921 Hoyt Ave.
Everett, WA 98201 United States
The Hidden History of America’s Favorite Music
Songs like “Camptown Races” and “Turkey in the Straw” are the basis of America’s soundtrack, but there is a troubling side to some of our country’s most recognizable songs. A significant part of our country’s shared musical heritage emerged from 19th century blackface minstrelsy. Minstrelsy was the first uniquely American entertainment, and the first American […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Friday
August 3, 2018 - Where
- Kitsap History Museum
280 Fourth Street
Bremerton, WA 98337 United States
Over the past few years, the question “Are you a feminist?” has become the new litmus test for young female celebrities. Their responses—which vary from Lady Gaga’s “I’m not a feminist. I hail men, I love men,” to Madonna’s “I’m not a feminist, I’m a humanist”—indicate a lack of clarity on what the term means, […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Tuesday
August 7, 2018 - Where
- Basalt Cellars
906 Port Dr
Clarkston, WA 99403 United States