McMenamins History is pleased to partner with the World Affairs Council of Tacoma and local historian Michael Sullivan, as he speaks to us about Tacoma's evolution as a city of immigrants. This event is open to all ages and made possible through the sponsorship of Tacoma Creates.  

Tacoma is an elder seaport city shaped by layers of culture and time. From the ancient presence of indigenous people to the most recent refugees from Ukraine and the Americas, Tacoma has enriched its own story with those of newcomers, travelers, and adventurers. This conversation will unpack Tacoma's patterns of place, its neighborhoods, ethnic districts and influences, and the historical backstory of the city we live in today. Michael will be joined in his remarks by two participants in the Council's Tacoma Immigrant Stories Project, Mariam Kurdghelaidze Anderson, from the Republic of Georgia, and Mauricio Robalino, from Ecuador.  

Our featured speaker, 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 created the website TacomaHistory.live and co-produces the short form documentary series, Tacoma Home Movies. Michael co-founded the historic preservation firm, Artifacts Consulting, and he is an advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Michael is Board Chairmen for HistoryLink (the online Encyclopedia of Washington State History) and serves on the Governor's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. 

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