Shaped by Sea and Story: Exploring Washington’s Maritime Identity 🌊

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Location: Washington State History Museum
Admission: FREE 🎟️

Join the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area for an evening dedicated to exploring the diverse communities and cultures that have shaped life along Washington’s waterways. Through storytelling, performance, and conversation, we’ll reflect on how living on the water has influenced our identity as Washingtonians. Together, we’ll also discuss how these histories and traditions are preserved, shared across communities, and woven into a collective sense of place.

About the “We the People Lecture Series”

The “We the People Lecture Series” occurs on “Third Thursday” evenings when admission to the Washington State History Museum is free. This series invites everyone to explore what it means to be a Washingtonian and how that identity connects to the nation’s founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each session examines this concept from various perspectives, showcasing the many ways people understand and experience Washington’s story.

The series collaborates with local cultural groups, historical and heritage organizations, Tribal museums, and educators to promote community participation and emphasize the importance of sharing history. Programs will feature a mix of talks, demonstrations, trivia, and performances that combine learning with fun, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

The “We the People Lecture Series” is part of Washington State’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about how to get involved at America250WA.org.