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
She Traveled Solo: Strong Women in the Early 20th Century
During a 5,000 mile solo bicycle ride from southern California to Maine, Tessa Hulls heard the same thing daily: that a woman can’t travel alone. She began researching other women who traveled solo in different ways, and became fascinated with many in stories from the early 20th century: explorers, mountaineers, and even a circus performer—women […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Wednesday
December 18, 2019 - Where
- Wenatchee Public Library
30 S. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801 United States
She Traveled Solo: Strong Women in the Early 20th Century
During a 5,000 mile solo bicycle ride from southern California to Maine, Tessa Hulls heard the same thing daily: that a woman can’t travel alone. She began researching other women who traveled solo in different ways, and became fascinated with many in stories from the early 20th century: explorers, mountaineers, and even a circus performer—women […]
- When
- 6:00 pm, Thursday
December 19, 2019 - Where
- Peshastin Public Library
8396 Main Street
Peshastin, WA 98847 United States
She Traveled Solo: Strong Women in the Early 20th Century
During a 5,000 mile solo bicycle ride from southern California to Maine, Tessa Hulls heard the same thing daily: that a woman can’t travel alone. She began researching other women who traveled solo in different ways, and became fascinated with many in stories from the early 20th century: explorers, mountaineers, and even a circus performer—women […]
- When
- 6:30 pm, Tuesday
January 7, 2020 - Where
- Langley Library
104 2nd St
Langley, Washington 98260 United States
Tangled: Why Your Hair Matters to Society
Hair is simply a collection of protein filaments that sprout from our scalp, yet it carries great meaning for us and our society. From twists and tapers to braids and buns, what’s on top of our head and how it is received by others often reflects society’s standards of beauty and desirability. Using song, video, […]
- When
- 12:00 pm, Wednesday
January 8, 2020 - Where
- Mirabella Seattle
116 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109 United States
Civil Conversation in an Angry Age
At what point does a conversation become a battle? Why do some opinions inflame our emotions, leading to anger, fights, and even the end of relationships with family and friends? Philosopher David E. Smith takes a deep look at those moments when civility breaks down. By mapping the structure of how we converse, and digging […]
- When
- 11:00 am, Saturday
January 11, 2020 - Where
- Sno-Isle Mariner Library
520 128th St. SW Suites A9 & A10
Everett, WA 98204 United States
Civil Conversation in an Angry Age
At what point does a conversation become a battle? Why do some opinions inflame our emotions, leading to anger, fights, and even the end of relationships with family and friends? Philosopher David E. Smith takes a deep look at those moments when civility breaks down. By mapping the structure of how we converse, and digging […]
- When
- 3:30 pm, Saturday
January 11, 2020 - Where
- Granite Falls Library
815 East Galena
Granite Falls, WA 98252 United States
Tangled: Why Your Hair Matters to Society
Hair is simply a collection of protein filaments that sprout from our scalp, yet it carries great meaning for us and our society. From twists and tapers to braids and buns, what’s on top of our head and how it is received by others often reflects society’s standards of beauty and desirability. Using song, video, […]
- When
- 12:00 pm, Wednesday
January 15, 2020 - Where
- Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple St
Longview, WA 98632 United States
Civil Conversation in an Angry Age
At what point does a conversation become a battle? Why do some opinions inflame our emotions, leading to anger, fights, and even the end of relationships with family and friends? Philosopher David E. Smith takes a deep look at those moments when civility breaks down. By mapping the structure of how we converse, and digging […]
- When
- 12:00 pm, Thursday
January 16, 2020 - Where
- Heron’s Key
4340 Borgen Blvd
Gig Harbor, WA 98332 United States