Invisible Histories

By the late 19th century, thousands of Civil War veterans migrated west to King County, bringing with them a vision of reconstruction, labor, and growth. In our latest podcast episode, we joined historian Richard Heisler (founder of Civil War Seattle) for a walking tour through Bothell Pioneer Cemetery, established in 1889.Behind the many moss-covered headstones lie astonishing, forgotten stories:George Bothell: Survived brutal conditions and scurvy at the Confederate-run Andersonville Prison before moving west to found the Bothell Brothers shingle mill and serve as the town's first mayor.John Keener: Wounded severely on a Virginia battlefield in 1864, he was rescued from the snow and sheltered from Confederate raiders by an escaped Black man who rode him into Union lines.Dr. Reuben Chase: Bothell's first doctor, who arrived following a typhoid outbreak after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and built a clinic that still stands on the UW Bothell campus today.Featured Guests:Richard Heisler: Historian, Founder of Civil War Seattle and Seattle History Tours.Sue Kienast: Preservationist, former 40-year President of the Bothell Historical Museum.Deborah "Pippin" Sardo: Museum volunteer, historic educator, costumer, and member of the International Thespian Society.McMenamins History Pub presentation on October 27, 2026 at 7pm: Discover the mysteries of Bothell's Pioneer Cemetery, founded in 1889, as we unearth lost stories and their connections to Western Washington. A portion of this special presentation includes a theatrical séance! Costumes welcome!Credits:Episode recorded in Bothell, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Broomstick Polka by Vocalista from Uppbeatio.com and Funeral March of a Marionette Charles GounodCover art design by Cari Simson; A seance scene from the 1922 film Dr. Mabuse the GamblerCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Invisible Histories, we explore the rich history, culture, and enduring legacy of Seattle's Sephardic Jewish community—the third-largest Sephardic population in the United States. Guests Cynthia Flash Hemphill (President of the Seattle Sephardic Network), Hannah Peters (Director at the Washington State Jewish Historical Society), and community members share personal narratives and historical insights.Guests:Stuart Eskenazi, Sephardic Seattle Tour guide with family ties to SeattleAl DeJaen, Sephardic Seattle Tour guide who grew up in the Central DistrictCynthia Flash Hemphill, President of the Seattle Sephardic NetworkSylvia Azose Angel, octogenarian tri-athlete who grew up in the Central DistrictHannah Peters, Director of the WA Jewish Historical SocietyThe episode shares:The historic migration of Sephardic Jews from the Mediterranean (Rhodes, Tekirdağ/Rodosto, Istanbul) to Seattle's Central District starting in 1902, and their subsequent displacement/migration to Seward Park and the Eastside of King County, WA.The distinct religious and social structures of Sephardic synagogues, redlining in Seattle, and solidarity/shared experiences with Black and Asian communities.Efforts to preserve Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), including classes at the University of Washington and the monthly "Los Ladinadas" meetup group.Traditional Sephardic culinary heritage, Mediterranean flavors, and community baking traditions.Personal family histories, including family research, community establishment in Seattle, and Sylvia Assos Angel's childhood memories on 21st and Yesler and empowerment through B'nai B'rith Girls.Upcoming Community Events & Projects:Seattle Sephardic Network: Cultural and historical programming for Sephardic Jews and allies. Take the Seattle Sephardic Network Tour! It happens in the Central District, in the summer or as requested.Oct 11: Seattle Sephardic Network Fundraiser! Catch comedian Ariel Elias live in South Lake Union for an evening of comedy, Sephardic music, and fun! Search "Ariel Elias in Seattle" on Eventbrite for tickets ($36+). Ariel Elias has been featured on Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Stephen Colbert & Jimmy Kimmel Live.Be sure to check out the amazing digital offerings online at the Washington State Jewish Historical MuseumWashington State Jewish Historical Society (WSJHS): Digital museum, oral history archives, and upcoming interactive map project launching December 2026.UW Sephardic Studies Program: University of Washington Libraries Special Collections and Ladino language courses.Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle: Heritage tour to Greece and Rhodes (March 2027; registration closes November 2026).Dec 2026: WSJHS launches an interactive global map pinning 500+ locations from oral history transcripts.Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Support our work through Ko-fi.com.Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Three songs by Isaac Azose: La Roza Enflorese, Alta Alta es la Luna, and Mama Yo No TengoCover art design by Cari Simson; Image uses a portion of a Jewish marriage contract. Esther Benezra and David DeFunes. Ottoman Empire, 1888 (ST01600, courtesy Albert Maimon/Henry Benezra Collection), and photo of a Ladino theatre group that performed for Sephardic audiences at Washington Hall (1920) Courtesy of UW Special Collections.Cari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of their monorail retrospective, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala dive into the grassroots effort that nearly brought an expanded monorail system to Seattle.If you missed it, go back and listen to Part 1 to get the deep dive into Seattle Monorail politics and advocacy!In this episode, we are joined by former campaign staffer Michael Taylor-Judd, transit advocate Rodney Rutherford, and Seattle Department of Transportation staff Brian Dougherty. The episode explores the ground-level advocacy, creative campaign tactics, and complex local politics surrounding Seattle’s monorail movement. The second half of the episode was recorded in the field with Rodney and Brian at 1st Avenue South and South Lander Street, which would have been the Lander Monorail station across from the old Sears flagship location.We would love to hear from you about your own Seattle memories, so please email us or send a message through our Facebook or Instagram Direct Messages. Images can be found at our social media: Facebook or Instagram, including the plans for the Monorail station in SODO!Topics:Grassroots Campaign Tactics: How volunteers used plastic-wrapped A-frame petition boards left on city sidewalks and carried a PVC-and-canvas monorail float on foot from Ballard to West Seattle.Unforgettable Fundraisers: The 4th of July monorail train rental where supporters watched fireworks over Elliott Bay and Lake Union while tilted on a curved track.Why the Monorail Failed: Financial shortfalls tied to car tab motor vehicle excise tax projections, procurement bidding hurdles, political pushback, and friction regarding automated driverless transit.Lasting Legacy: How campaign organizers handed over the Transit Riders Union domain to future Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, and how monorail train designs created for Seattle eventually made their way to cities like Cairo, Egypt and São Paulo, Brazil.Links:Seattle Monorail Project WikipediaFor the Monorail: A 1997 Op-Ed by Walt CrowleySeattle Municipal Archives - Monorail documents:USCG final environmental impact statement for Seattle Monorail Project Green Line and contains Appendix LL.Seattle monorail project / final staff recommendation for alignment and stations and includes a small amount about the Lander station and other stations.The Monorail Society: Hall of Famehttps://seattlechannel.org/videos?videoid=x28624Peter Dibble: How Seattle rejected the Monorail (youtube)The Seattle Channel City Inside/Out: Monorail MeasurePerson of Interest: Dick Falkenbury (2016)Youtube clip of The Simpson’s Season 4: Episode 12’s Monorail songMarge vs the MonorailSubscribe to or Follow our podcast on whatever platform you listen, and please share this episode with a friend!Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Invisible Histories.If you are able, please support our podcast with a Tip through Ko-Fi.comCredits:Episode recorded in Seattle, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic - MONORAIL - The New Concert Orchestra - Dennis Farnon (Archive.org)Newsreel audio - World of Tomorrow: Monorail by King TV (1962) https://archive.org/details/SMA_12807Courtesy of the Seattle Municipal ArchiveCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. 2026 www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 1 of The Ghostly Green Line: The Seattle Monorail Chronicles dives into the "ghostly green line"—the proposed Seattle Monorail that promised a transformative transit future between 1997 and 2005. Guest Cindi Laws, a veteran political operative, provides an insider’s look at the campaigns that defined that era. Laws reveals the "death by a thousand cuts" strategy employed by well-funded opponents, the deep-seated political rivalries between City of Seattle and King County leadership, and the unethical management practices that ultimately crippled the Monorail agency. The discussion moves beyond the surface-level narrative to address why Seattle’s transit planning has faced such consistent, decades-long failures. Cindi also shares the joys of successful campaigns, and herCindi Laws, a Public Affairs Consultant and Lobbyist, has specialized in trade associations for small businesses and nonprofit organizations since the late 90s. Her professional political experience began in 1986 when she worked on former US Secretary of Transportation and former Congressman Brock Adams campaign to defeat incumbent US Senator Slade Gorton. She went on to serve Sen. Adams in the US Senate, where she worked on transportation, timber, Tribes, and Labor, and then as state outreach director for Senator Adams. Cindi also worked on 3 presidential campaigns: Dukakis/Bentsen 1988 (flipping WA Blue for the first time in 20 years), and smaller roles for Clinton/Gore in both 1992 and 1996. You can connect with Cindi through her LinkedIn and Facebook"Let's celebrate the joy that we can do great things!!" -Cindi LawsPart 2 will come out on September 22nd, and will include interviews with people who worked for and volunteered with the Monorail campaigns: Rodney Rutherford,Brian Dougherty, and Michael Taylor-Judd.Show Notes:Tickets for upcoming Invisible Histories eventsSeattle Monorail Project WikipediaFor the Monorail: A 1997 Op-Ed by Walt CrowleyUSCG final environmental impact statement for Seattle Monorail Project Green Line and contains Appendix LL. (Seattle Municipal Archives - Monorail documents)Seattle monorail project / final staff recommendation for alignment and stations and includes a small amount about the Lander station and other stations. (Seattle Municipal Archives - Monorail documents)The Monorail Society: Hall of FamePeter Dibble: How Seattle rejected the Monorail (youtube)The Seattle Channel City Inside/Out: Monorail MeasurePerson of Interest: Dick Falkenbury (2016)Youtube clip of The Simpson’s Season 4: Episode 12’s Monorail songMarge vs the MonorailSubscribe to or Follow our podcast on whatever platform you listen, and please share this episode with a friend!Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Invisible Histories at invisible-histories.comCredits:Episode recorded in Seattle, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Alteration by IMG from Uppbeat io & Monorail by The New Concert Orchestra from Archive.orgCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people know Lynnwood as a shopping destination or a place to pass through on the way to somewhere else. But beneath today's busy streets lies one of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating stories of innovation, agriculture, transportation, and community.In our Season 7 premiere episode of Invisible Histories, we visit Heritage Park in Lynnwood with special guest Devon from the Ouija Broads podcast and discover how a chance stop turned into an unforgettable history lesson. Guided by local historian Cheri Ryan, we explore the remarkable history of Alderwood Manor—a planned farming community created after the forests were logged, where city families were encouraged to settle on five-acre parcels, raise chickens, and commute to Seattle aboard the Interurban Railway.Along the way we learn how the Puget Mill Company transformed thousands of logged acres into one of the nation's largest egg-producing communities, shipping eggs across the country while pioneering an early version of suburban living. We also explore the role of the Interurban trolley, the restoration of Heritage Park's historic buildings, and why preserving these stories matters for future generations.From candy memories at Wicker's Mercantile to restored trolley cars and demonstration farms, this episode reminds us that extraordinary history often hides in places we drive past every day.Show Notes:Tickets for Lost Potter's Field TourOuija Broads podcastDevon's book, Cryptids of the Pacific Northwest, comes out September, 2026.Lynnwood-Alderwood Manor Heritage AssociationIn Days Gone By: The Hatching of Alderwood ManorBetty Lou GaengLooking Back: South Snohomish locationsKeeler's Corner historyLynnwood: Thumbnail HistoryDuncan Hunter files a homestead claim in the future Lynnwood 1889Racial Restrictive Covenants Project - Washington StateRedlining and Racial Restrictive CovenantsRacial Covenants and Segregation, Yesterday and TodaySubscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Support our work through Ko-fi.com.Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Uppbeat.io music Airstream - "Me You"Sound FX - Freesound.org Craig SmithCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this vibrant episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala take listeners on an engaging journey through the layers of one of the most overlooked historical areas of Seattle. With the backdrop of the upcoming June 12th Unpaving SODO Tour, and the 2026 World Cup, they explore the bustling transformation of Seattle's SODO from early settler days through the Klondike Gold Rush, from the original tideflats to early industrial development in the 1900s, to raves and other happenings in the 2000s.Listeners will also discover the rich immigrant history of the area, particularly the contributions of Filipino Americans, and the creative evolution of SODO as an industrial space that has fostered artistic expression. With anecdotes from their personal lives and a sneak peek into the theatrical elements planned for the tour, this episode is a delightful blend of history, humor, and heartfelt reflection.Show Notes:Tickets for Lost Potter's Field Tour: invisible-histories.comInvisible Histories: https://invisible-histories.comSeattle Municipal ArchivesUW Civil Rights ProjectNational Park Service: Klondike Gold RushBeneath the Streets tours: http://beneath-the-streets.comTours by Carter: https://www.toursbycarter.comMadame Lou Graham: Notoriously Bad CharacterDonald Francis Roy's thesis from UW about HoovervilleFANHSSubscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Support our work through Ko-fi.com.Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic "Monsieur Groove" by Theo Gerard (Uppbeat.com)Sound FX - Freesound.org Craig SmithCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Correction: As of May 2026, Vermont Forest Cemetery in Roxbury, VT has 48 natural burials, with room for up to 2,000.In this thought-provoking episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala engage in a captivating conversation with Michelle Hogle Acciavatti, MS, the founder of Vermont Forest Cemetery. Dive into the world of natural burial and explore how this innovative, yet simple approach to death and dying is reshaping our relationship with mortality and the environment.Michelle shares her unique journey from a background in neuroscience to becoming a death doula and advocate for natural burial practices. She discusses the emotional and ecological significance of returning our bodies to the earth and the importance of community involvement in the burial process.Throughout the episode, the conversation touches on the challenges and triumphs of establishing a natural burial ground in Vermont, including the legislative hurdles overcome to make it possible. Michelle emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where families can engage with the process of dying, allowing for a more meaningful and personal farewell. With a blend of heartwarming stories and practical advice, this episode invites listeners to rethink their own perceptions of death and legacy.Show Notes:Invisible Histories event on June 12th: Unpaving SODO walking tour in partnership with MOHAI: Ticket linkMichelle Hogle Acciavatti, Natural Deathcare Worker and Funeral Director Green Mountain Funeral AlternativesFrom Earth to Earth: the Lost Art of Dying in America (documentary about the Vermont Forest Cemetery)Head Cemeterian and Natural Burial Educator Vermont Forest CemeteryEnd of Life Specialist and Advance Care Planner Ending WellRecompose:Earth FuneralGreen Burials in WA StateSeattle Widow ResourcesFor more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com​Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcastsSupport our work through Ko-fi.com. Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Jacob Taylor Armerding "The Girl I Left Behind Me" Uppbeat.ioCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala in this exciting mini-episode of Invisible Histories as they unveil their dream project: a captivating event centered around the often-overlooked Harbor Island. Discover the rich and hidden history of this industrial area in South Seattle, a place many pass by without a second thought. Cari and Elke share their journey of bringing this event to life, highlighting the significance of local narratives that challenge the dominant historical discourse.Listeners will get a sneak peek into the diverse stories that will be featured during the event, from the development of the tidelands to the fascinating history of Camp George Jordan, a World War II segregated army camp. The hosts discuss their collaboration with local historians and artists, including theatrical performances that will bring these untold stories to life. With a mix of humor and heartfelt reflection, this episode emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the preservation of history.Mark your calendars for April 23rd and 24th, when the event “History Comes Alive at Harbor Island” will take place. Attendees can expect guided tours, interactive exhibits, and a chance to connect with the vibrant history of this unique space. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, engage, and celebrate the hidden histories of Harbor Island!Show Notes:Invisible Histories event on April 23-24th: History Comes Alive at Harbor IslandTicket linkAccess Seattle Public Library's collection of Jackie Lawson's book collection, including her history of Camp George JordanFor more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com​Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcastsSupport our work through Ko-fi.com. Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Airstream "Sunny Side" Uppbeat.ioCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the hidden histories of family desertion and social justice in our latest episode! Discover how the Lazy Husbands Act of 1913 aimed to support abandoned families in Washington State, and what actually happened. Tune in for an insightful discussion that connects the past with our present. Don't miss it!In this enlightening episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala delve into the complexities of early 20th-century social welfare in Washington State, focusing on the 1913 Family Desertion Act, often referred to as the "Lazy Husbands Act." The discussion unveils the harsh realities faced by women and children abandoned by their husbands and fathers during a time when economic instability alcohol abuse, and gambling were rampant.As they explore the historical context of this legislation, Cari and Elke highlight the establishment of county poor farms, including the infamous Willows Farm, where men convicted of family desertion were put to work to support their families. The hosts reflect on the societal implications of these laws, the struggles of the women left behind, and the ongoing relevance of these issues in today’s world.Listeners are invited to consider the evolution of social safety nets and the persistent challenges that marginalized communities face. With a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our collective past and the stories that continue to shape our society.Show Notes:Lazy Husbands Act of 1913Lazy Husbands StockadeHollywood Farm (Woodinville)Seattle retires Chain Gang and opens the Municipal Workhouse and stockade on Beacon Hill on July 1, 1909How Welfare Began in the United StatesInvisible Histories event on April 23-24th: History Comes Alive at Harbor Island​Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Support our work through Ko-fi.com.For more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaCover art design by Cari Simson; Seattle Daily Times (published as THE SEATTLE DAILY TIMES) - April 18, 1913 - page 2; Seattle Post-Intelligencer (published as The Seattle post-intelligencer.) - November 10, 1913 - page 2Music: Soundroll "Great Things to Happen" Uppbeat.ioCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala engage in a gripping conversation with David Norman Lewis, the author of the newly released book, The Burning of Moses Seattle. This episode dives deep into the tragic and violent history surrounding Moses Seattle, a descendant of Chief Seattle, whose life was marked by both cultural significance and horrific events.David shares the chilling details of Moses' untimely death, which was the result of a brutal act of violence fueled by the tensions of Prohibition-era Seattle. Through David's extensive research, listeners are introduced to the complexities of Native American history, the struggles faced by indigenous peoples, and the often-overlooked narratives that shape our understanding of the past.As the discussion unfolds, Cari and Elke explore themes of identity, resilience, and the importance of reclaiming stories that have been marginalized. David's unique perspective sheds light on the intersection of public history, storytelling, and the ongoing impact of colonialism in the Pacific Northwest. This episode is a poignant reminder of the hidden histories that deserve to be heard and acknowledged.Show Notes:David Norman Lewis for Evergreen Ape pageLeft Bank Books / Couth Buzzard (local bookshops carrying his book)The Burning of Moses SeattleSuquamish TribeBeneath the StreetsFantasy A Gets a MattressThe Siwash, Their Life Legends And Tales: Puget Sound And Pacific Northwest (1895) Chief Seattle's Grandson, Seattle Weekly 2015Old School; Taking to the Streets to Publicize a BookArthur C. Ballard Puget Sound Bibliography of the Puget Sound Coast Salish​Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Support our work through Ko-fi.com.For more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com Credits:Episode recorded in Edmonds, WAEdited by Elke HautalaCover art: ; design by Cari SimsonMusic: Soundroll "Great Things to Happen" Uppbeat.ioCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.