Tacoma, like many seaport cities around the world, is an amalgam of peoples, ethnicities, and neighborhoods overlaid on a place that has been home to Indigenous people for hundreds of generations. Historian Michael Sean Sullivan will explore Tacoma's immigration patterns, how neighborhoods and institutions have been shaped by waves of newcomers, and how these stories have helped create the City of Destiny's cultural backstory and history. Michael will be joined by Puyallup storyteller Robert Satiacum who will share a traditional story.  

Michael Sean Sullivan is a public historian, writer, and historic preservationist. He has taught Pacific Northwest history at the University of Washington Tacoma for more than 20 years. Michael is the creator of the website Tacoma History and co-produces the short-form documentary series Tacoma Home Movies. Michael co-founded Artifacts Consulting, a historic preservation firm, is an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, board chairmen for HistoryLink, an online encyclopedia of Washington State History, and serves on the Governor's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. 

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