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
- 2:30 pm, Wednesday
February 20, 2019 - Where
- Logan Hall (Gardens Building), Wesley Homes
816 S 216th St
Des Moines, WA 98198 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
- 6:00 pm, Wednesday
February 20, 2019 - Where
- Okanogan Grange Hall
305 Tyree Street
Okanogan, Washington 98840 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
- 6:00 pm, Thursday
February 21, 2019 - Where
- Cashmere Public Library
16 N. Columbia Street
Cashmere, WA 98801 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
- 7:00 pm, Thursday
February 21, 2019 - Where
- Mid-Columbia Libraries
1620 S Union
Kennewick, WA 99338 United States
The Poetic Apothecary: Poems for Healing and Comfort
Just as a cup of tea can settle and sooth us, the right poem at the right time can be a powerful sustaining remedy. Poet and performer Judith Adams explores poetry’s restorative powers by reciting and exploring poems that help us understand grief, fear, sadness, loss, and much more. By sharing her love of poetry, […]
- When
- 1:30 pm, Friday
February 22, 2019 - Where
- Wallingford Community Senior Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Suite 140
Seattle, Washington 98103 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
- 7:00 pm, Friday
February 22, 2019 - Where
- Winthrop Public Library
49 State Route 20
Winthrop, WA 98862 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
- 1:00 pm, Saturday
February 23, 2019 - Where
- Ephrata Public Library
45 Alder NW
Ephrata, WA 98823 United States
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
- 2:00 pm, Saturday
February 23, 2019 - Where
- Mukilteo Library
4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd
Mukilteo, WA 98275 United States