The future Washington state was settled, discovered and claimed by a host of peoples and countries for various reasons. The Pacific Northwest is often viewed as being on “the far side of the world” — but it was really the center in some ways, since it was “discovered” by countries from both sides. Some narratives forgot the fact that the lands those flag wavers claimed for their crowns already had residents who called it home, and they were doing just fine without visitors from the seas who brought disease and other effects of colonialism.

Speaker Steve Dunkelberger will discuss the weaving of facts and lore that create the narratives heard today.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/soIbYY5JSmu6ch5FiTIRWA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Steve is a co-founder of the Lakewood Historical Society and an advisory board member of Fort Steilacoom Museum. He co-authored two books on Lakewood and one on McNeil Island and is working on a book about Fort Steilacoom with Walter Neary.

Steve is also the founder and host of Steve’s Drunk/Local History in bars and retirement communities around Lakewood and Tacoma as well as a historical writer for SouthSoundTalk.com. He has been featured on podcasts and television shows, including Grit City Podcast, Rainy Day Rabbit Hole, Discovery Channel’s The Dead Files, and PBS and CSPAN segments on Tacoma and Pierce County.

He is an instructor at Pierce College- Military Programs and Tacoma Public Schools.

Historic Fort Steilacoom exists on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples whose ancestors resided here since time immemorial and have stewarded this land throughout the generations. Our association acknowledges the complex history of the Fort and its role in the colonization of the area. We are actively working to incorporate the diverse perspectives and experiences of all individuals and communities who interacted with the Fort.

This is one in a series of talks in commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of Fort Steilacoom. More info at https://historicfortsteilacoom.org/events/