Oscar Heinrichs is considered the American Sherlock Holmes - a master investigator and the father of police forensics. As a chemist who grew up in Tacoma, he established the first school for police investigative techniques that used science to solve crimes instead of hunches. His work has transformed everything we know about the criminal justice system and his first lab was in Tacoma. Chris Staudinger of Pretty Gritty Tours uncovers the intricate web of lies, corruption, and tragedy that gave the world Tacoma's Sherlock Holmes.  

Chris Staudinger established Pretty Gritty Tours in Tacoma in 2016 and covers the underrepresented history of the Pacific Northwest. He spent over ten years as a travel writer and investigative journalist for Expedia, USA Today, and the BBC. Chris's walking tours, videos, and talks have become one of the most popular and delightful ways to discover the local history of Tacoma and beyond.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp