Historian Richard Heisler traces the origins of Memorial Day in Seattle, from the earliest formal observations in Washington Territory after the Civil War, through the evolution of the holiday over the decades that followed.   

Richard Heisler is the founder of Civil War Seattle and Seattle History Tours. He has presented for the Bothell Historical Society, Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, and Puget Sound Civil War Roundtable, among other organizations. Richard is a contributing writer for Emerging Civil War and has been featured in the Seattle Times, KIRO Radio, Pacific NW Magazine and more. He has been a Seattle resident for over 30 years. 

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