Shows
Invisible HistoriesUncovering the Untold Legacy of Moses SeattleIn this powerful episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala engage in a gripping conversation with David Norman Lewis, the author of the newly released book, The Burning of Moses Seattle. This episode dives deep into the tragic and violent history surrounding Moses Seattle, a descendant of Chief Seattle, whose life was marked by both cultural significance and horrific events.David shares the chilling details of Moses' untimely death, which was the result of a brutal act of violence fueled by the tensions of Prohibition-era Seattle. Through David's extensive research, listeners are introduced...
2026-02-101h 08
Invisible HistoriesConnecting Generations: Our Dads and Their Hidden HistoriesIn this heartwarming New Year's episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala celebrate fresh beginnings by turning the spotlight on their own families. They engage in meaningful conversations with their fathers, John Simson and Burton Kummerow, who share their unique experiences and contributions to public history.As both dads delve into their respective roles, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of stories that highlight the importance of community engagement and the preservation of history. John, the Sexton of South Burlington, Vermont, discusses his efforts to restore local cemeteries, emphasizing the significance of...
2026-01-061h 12
Invisible HistoriesCelebrating the Stories of 2025In this reflective episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala take a moment to pause and look back on the year that has flown by, filled with challenges and triumphs in their unique engagement with public history. As the end of the year approaches, they share their Year in Review, highlighting memorable episodes, fascinating guests, and the stories that have shaped their journey.This episode is not just a recap; it's an invitation to listeners to revisit past episodes, engage with the material, and share their own reflections on history. With plans for...
2025-12-0954 min
Invisible HistoriesElise Olmstead: The Hidden Rebel of Prohibition in SeattleIn this captivating November episode of Invisible Histories, we dive into the life of Elise Olmstead, a remarkable figure in the history of Seattle, as we chat with local author Rebecca Demarest.Rebecca unravels the threads of Elise's life, from her beginnings in England to her complex relationship with the notorious Roy Olmstead, exploring her influence in the Prohibition era and her role as a radio station operator. Was she an informant to Prohibition agents, or the brains behind the bootlegging? Or both?Join us as we discuss Rebecca's journey of research and writing, including...
2025-11-0749 min
Invisible HistoriesThe Abandoned History of Northern State HospitalThis week on Invisible Histories, we are sharing Part 2 of our two-part journey to the Skagit Valley to visit the Northern State Hospital & Cemetery, a large psychiatric hospital and self-sustaining therapeutic farm and community from 1912-1973 in Sedro-Woolley, WA. Check out Part 1 that focuses on the Northern State Hospital cemetery (episode released on 10/7/25).We are joined by John Horne, our guide, who shares personal anecdotes and insights about the hospital's history, revealing how it served as a sanctuary for many, despite the stigma surrounding mental health care in the past. Join us as we explore its f...
2025-10-2155 min
Invisible HistoriesUncovering Northern State Hospital's hidden cemeteryIn this episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari and Elke visit the Northern State Hospital Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley, WA — a serene field off Highway 20, holding many unidentified graves of more than 1,600 people once confined to Washington’s largest mental institution. Some of the patients’ graves have visible numbers and initials, while many more have sunken under the thick grass or have been damaged by weather.We’re joined by John Horne, a local historian who has spent years painstakingly researching, mapping, and restoring the site. John shares stories of forgotten patients, missing records, and the evolving effort to honor...
2025-10-071h 02
Invisible HistoriesSalem Secrets: Unraveling the Witchcraft Crisis of 1692In this enthralling episode of Invisible Histories, we delve into the dark and complex narrative of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the societal and historical contexts that led to one of America's most infamous episodes of mass hysteria. Join us as we navigate through the summer of 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts. We examine the lives of the women accused, including Cari’s ancestor Margaret Skillings Prince.We discuss the intersection of religion, gender, and class, revealing how these factors contributed to the witch accusation crisis that resulted in the execution of 20 individuals and the imprisonment of many others. Th...
2025-09-091h 30
Invisible HistoriesThe Lost Potter's Field: Modern ConnectionsOur Potter's Field research and memorialization project points to the past ways that people who died on the margins in Seattle and King County were treated leading up to 1912, and how their burial area was obliterated in the wake of the Duwamish river dredging and straightening in 1913. Invisible Histories seeks to make modern connections with all our stories, and our intern, Jacob Neville, assisted Elke with research and interviews with modern programs that seek to create memorialization and remembrance for those who die on the margins of Seattle today. As part of this research, Jacob wrote a research paper...
2025-09-0651 min
Invisible HistoriesInside the King County Medical Examiner's OfficeIn this gripping episode of Invisible Histories, we take you behind the scenes of the King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO) where death and the stories surrounding it come to life through the eyes of lead forensic medicolegal death investigator, James Sosik Jr.Join us as we explore the often unseen world of "unnatural" death investigation in King County, WA, and discuss everything from the realities of autopsies to the humane treatment of unclaimed bodies.Disclaimer: KCMEO takes family confidentiality very seriously and during our tour we were not able to see any specific identifiable...
2025-07-091h 08
Invisible HistoriesWoven Tales: Reviving Scottish Folk HeritageHave you ever wanted to move to Scotland, study folk magic, and help preserve ancient sites? Well we definitely do, and after today so will you!Welcome to our June episode of Invisible Histories: Woven Tales: Reviving Scottish Folk Heritage with Scott Richardson-ReadIn this captivating episode, we sit down with Scott Richardson-Read, a passionate folklorist and cultural historian deeply rooted in Scotland's rich folk heritage.Join us as Scott shares his journey from working-class roots to becoming the creator of Cailleach’s Herbarium, a platform dedicated to preserving Scottish folk traditions.Discover th...
2025-06-021h 03
Invisible HistoriesCairn Cainine Detection, part 2Welcome to our May episode: Part 2 of our interview with Cairn Canine Detection and the Case of the "Lost" Potter's Field!We had so much to talk about with the Cairn Canine Detection group that our May episode will continue the conversation with Suzanne Elshult, President and K9 Trainer/Handler. Suzanne shares more about the work they are doing with local Tribes and historical organizations to identify the locations of unmarked burials in Washington State, and beyond. She's also about to get a new puppy to train, and talked about her first dog, who started her on...
2025-05-0549 min
Invisible HistoriesCairn Canine DetectionWelcome to our April episode: Cairn Canine Detection and the Case of the Snohomish Pioneer Cemetery!Have you ever wondered how dogs could help locate unmarked graves? Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of canine detection and its role in uncovering the hidden histories of historic cemeteries. In this episode, we share our experience with Suzanne Elshult and June Mansfield and their team from Cairn Canine Detection, who use specially trained dogs to locate human remains in historic burial areas. Discover the science behind their methods, the challenges they face, and the stories of...
2025-04-0844 min
Invisible HistoriesStephanie Johnson Toliver: Black Heritage SocietyWelcome to our March episode: Voices from the Archives!Join us for an insightful conversation with Stephanie Johnson Toliver, the Executive Director of Black Heritage Society of WA for the past 7 years, and a longtime advocate for historic preservation, community-building and storytelling. In this episode, we explore the vital role of community archives in preserving the stories of African Americans in Washington, from early settlers who shaped the early towns and communitites, to the impactful photography of Al Smith. Stephanie shares her journey from horticulturist to archivist, detailing her passion for uncovering and sharing the hi...
2025-03-101h 10
Invisible HistoriesCynthia Brothers: Vanishing Seattle!Welcome to our February episode!It is time to dive into our own invisible histories! Alongside Cynthia Brothers, the founder of Vanishing Seattle, we discuss the existence of venues, clubs, and other businesses that were, and still are, beacons of creativity and self-expression.As more and more spaces for social connection undergo closure and demolition, how can we hold onto the culture associated with these spaces? We discuss with Cynthia the implications of the increased price of existing in the modern city, as well as what Vanishing Seattle is doing to preserve the histories...
2025-02-121h 05
Invisible HistoriesRebroadcast: Our interview on "The Bridge"A rebroadcast of our visit with The Bridge in July 2024, with hosts Jean Godden and Julianna Ross.For January, we are rebroadcasting our lively visit with Jean Godden and Julianna Ross of their radio show, The Bridge, on KMGP 101.1, which aired on July 26, 2024.On the show, we share our origin stories, how we met and formed Invisible Histories, some Lou Graham and Lake Ballinger stories, and some teasers from the “Lost” Potter’s Field. Thank you, Jean for such an in-depth interview. We know where the stories are buried!Hosts: Jean Godden...
2025-01-091h 03
Invisible HistoriesUnveiling Seattle's Street TreesWelcome to our December episode! Step into the world of Seattle's street trees with our latest episode featuring Taha Ebrahimi, author of the book, Street Trees of Seattle. Discover how these urban giants connect us to the city's past and enrich our present. Taha shares her journey from a curious walker to a published author, revealing the hidden stories of Seattle's diverse tree canopy. Learn about the ecological and historical significance of street trees and their role in fostering community connections. Taha takes us by some of her favorite trees in the Georgetown area, and we share a couple...
2024-12-0444 min
Invisible HistoriesCemetery Mysteries in North SeattleWelcome to our November episode, devoted to the beautiful Crown Hill Cemetery, located north of Ballard and west of Greenwood. And prior to that, we explore the mysterious history of the original Greenwood Cemetery, originally called Woodland, which was at the corner of 85th and Greenwood Avenue from 1871 until 1907.A few months ago, we were intrigued to see an article on King 5, Seattle Medium, and Seattle Times about how the historic Crown Hill Cemetery was for sale.Curious minds want to know, who wants to buy a cemetery?Today we focus on the h...
2024-11-1151 min
Invisible HistoriesRoadhouses Around SeattleWhen you hear “The Roadhouse,” this might evoke thoughts of a glistening Patrick Swayze doing his own stunts while taming the Double Deuce in the 1989 cult movie of the same name, but roadhouses also have a diverse and storied past here in the Seattle area. From Aurora Avenue North and the Bothell Highway, to Seattle’s Central District and Jackson Street, to Georgetown and the Pacific Highway South, these places became the areas where people were pushed as redlining and the Temperance movement grew and eventually took hold in Seattle in the 1910s. Prohibition in Washington began in 1916 and went u...
2024-10-181h 15
Invisible HistoriesThe Secret History of Nikola TeslaWelcome to Invisible Histories Season 3 Episode 1! Our "back to school" September episode is all about the iconic and mysterious Nikola Tesla. Sharpen your pencils and fire up your oscillators!We had the pleasure to talk with Jeff Behary about his work, and specifically as the official historian for the Nikola Tesla family.Join us on this month’s episode was we talk with Jeff about his Tesla archive, the Electrotherapy Museum, Tesla as an inventor, and the future practicalities of world wireless power and energy distribution.Come see our specultative theater pro...
2024-09-1251 min
Invisible HistoriesBalintore CastleThis month both Elke and Cari were on their respective vacations, visiting places near and far.In this episode, Elke shares her history with the Gen Con Tabletop Gaming Conference, which she's been directly involved with for over 11 years. This year she went with her oldest son Chance, and had a blast working and playing with the over 71,000 guests to the event!Cari and her daughter went to Scotland, with a stay in the Balintore Castle in moorland above Balintore village, a few miles north of the Loch of Lintrathen, near Kirriemuir, Angus. Balintore Castle is a...
2024-08-131h 07
Invisible HistoriesLake BallingerSince it’s a beautiful, warm summer day here in Seattle, this month’s episode features a short history of a beautiful lake with a mysterious island. You’ll find this lake on the southwestern corner of Snohomish County, on the edge of Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace, just north of Shoreline, Washington. Come with us to take a dip in the cool, refreshing waters of Lake Ballinger! Learn about the development of this area in the late 1800s through 1920s, with Hugh McAleer, the Bartholomew and Ballinger families, and the role of the Interurban Streetcar line on the...
2024-07-1743 min
Invisible HistoriesMadam Lou GrahamWelcome to Invisible Histories.Today we had the pleasure to host a virtual interview with author Hanna Brooks Olsen about her recently published book, “Notoriously Bad Character: the true story of Lou Graham and the Immigrants and Sex Workers who built Seattle." The book is available through her webpage, www.hannabrooksolsen.com Lou reigned supreme in what we now know as the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle in the late 1800s. Today, on Seattle’s Underground Tour and other guided history walks, the story of Lou Graham is often full of errors and exaggerations, and so...
2024-06-111h 12
Invisible HistoriesA Return to the Potter's FieldWelcome to Invisible Histories! Tonight we bring you a special show like no other. If you've listened to the first three episodes -- and if not go back to Episode #1 -- we come to this podcast with a deep curiosity about the people who lived in this time period, how they died, and how they ended up being buried in the Potter’s Field between 1876-1912. Elke and I wanted to transport you to where the Potter’s Field used to be, on a windy point of land in what is known today as the neighborh...
2024-05-0842 min
Invisible HistoriesHow Can the Rolland Denny Mansion be Saved?March 2024 was wild! We suffered technical issues in the form of a broken computer, which prevented us from getting this episode out in a timely manner. Thank goodness we are up and running again!Thank you to our listeners, the dedicated hundreds! Subscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Read our latest newsletter and subscribeShow notes and other content at our webpage.Check out our Instagram for images related to this episode.Today, we interviewed Jean Sherrard and Clay Eals, and...
2024-04-091h 30
Invisible HistoriesMini Episode February 2024After a whirlwind January 2024, the Invisible Histories ladies regroup, try to tidy up the place, and catch up on what happened over the last month. Thank you to our listeners, the dedicated hundreds! Subscribe, share, and give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Read our latest newsletter and subscribeRead show notes and more content at our webpage.Check out our Instagram for images related to this episode @invisiblehistoriespnwWe toured the Recompose facility in Georgetown, and learned about composting as an option for death care.
2024-02-1830 min
Invisible HistoriesMarginalized voices from the Potter's FieldWelcome to Invisible Histories. Episode #3In this podcast we explore lost stories of marginalized people, hidden histories of forgotten places, and generally unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people living and working in the Seattle area and beyond. In this episode, we share some important cultural information regarding Indigenous death practices of the Coast Salish people, to answer the question, 'could the Potter's Field have previously been an Indian Burial Ground' as described on Findagrave.com? We include interviews from Johnny Moses and Pamela Bond Seamoster who each share the cultural practices of...
2024-01-031h 03
Invisible HistoriesLay of the LandWelcome to Invisible Histories - Episode #2In this podcast we explore lost stories of marginalized people, hidden histories of forgotten places, and generally unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people living and working in the Seattle area and beyond. In this episode we go way back in time, to share the perspective of a character that rarely gets to tell its story — the land itself — how the cemetery removal was an example of forced industrialization and this progress at all costs mentality; contextualizing the land in Georgetown, and the existing death and burial...
2024-01-031h 02
Invisible HistoriesUnearthing the "Lost" Potter's FieldHello -- and welcome to “Invisible Histories” exploring Seattle’s lost stories, with Cari and Elke - Episode #1In this podcast we explore lost stories of marginalized people, hidden histories of forgotten places, and generally unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people living and working in the Seattle area and beyond. In our first series we explore the ‘lost’ Potter’s Field, also known as the Duwamish Cemetery established in 1876 on land next to the King County Poor Farm and Hospital in what is now the Georgetown neighborhood. In just over 30 years over 3,260 peo...
2024-01-0243 min
Invisible HistoriesIntroducing "Invisible Histories"Welcome to “Invisible Histories” exploring Seattle’s lost stories. In this podcast we explore lost stories of marginalized people, hidden histories of forgotten places, and generally unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people living and working in the Seattle area and beyond. In our first series we explore the ‘lost’ Potter’s Field, a cemetery established in 1876 on land next to the King County Poor Farm and Hospital in what is now the Georgetown neighborhood. In just over 30 years over 3,260 people were buried there; people who due to lack of money, family or other connecti...
2023-12-2903 min