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
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
- 5:30 pm, Thursday
September 19, 2019 - Where
- Raymond Timberland Library
507 Duryea Street
Raymond, WA 98577 United States
Hacking Democracy: What Social Media is Doing to US Politics
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram—some of which did not even exist a decade ago—are playing an increasingly central role in politicians’ efforts to get elected. What does this mean for the American voter? Join political scientist Travis Ridout to explore the pros and cons of social media in political campaigns. While […]
- When
- 7:00 pm, Thursday
September 19, 2019 - Where
- Mid-Columbia Libraries
1620 S Union
Kennewick, WA 99338 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, Friday
September 20, 2019 - Where
- Ocean Park Timberland Library
1308 256th Place
Ocean Park, WA 98640 United States
Sticky Subject: The History and Culture of Sugar
When King Henry VIII wanted three pounds of sugar for his guests at an important banquet, he had a tough time getting it. Now the average American eats that much sugar in a single week. Once a rare, exotic ingredient, sugar has become a dietary staple, leaving its sticky fingerprints all over the globe. Anthropologist […]
- When
- 11:00 am, Saturday
September 21, 2019 - Where
- Nash’s Community Barn
4681 Sequim-Dungeness Way
Sequim, WA 98382 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
- 11:00 am, Saturday
September 21, 2019 - Where
- Shoalwater Bay Library/Museum
4115 St Rt 105
Tokeland, WA 98590 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
- 5:00 pm, Saturday
September 21, 2019 - Where
- Darrington Library
1005 Cascade Street
Darrington, WA 98241 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, Saturday
September 21, 2019 - Where
- Scarecrow Video
5030 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105 United States
Modern Slavery: Understanding Human Trafficking in the 21st Century
We often think of slavery as a historic phenomenon, but thousands of people are trafficked into the US each year. And in the 21st century, new technologies have enabled more opportunities for the exploitation of people for labor, moving these crimes further into the shadows. In this illuminating talk, Robert Beiser, the executive director of […]
- When
- 7:30 pm, Saturday
September 21, 2019 - Where
- Lummi Island Library
2144 South Nugent Rd
Lummi Island, WA 98226 United States