Together with Historic Seattle and Humanities Washington, we are pleased to continue our historic lecture series, “Historic Talks in Historic Buildings.” The series brings public programs into historic places across Seattle—places rich with history and meaning—while highlighting the voices and scholarship shaping our understanding of the past. Selected from the 2026-2027 Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, the speakers showcase the range of topics, questions, and discussions at the heart of historic preservation in Washington State.

“How Whiskey Won Washington,” presented by Becky Garrison

Washington has a mixed history with liquor. Efforts to ban or restrict it date back to 1854, before the region even attained statehood, and “blue laws” remained on the books well into the 20th century. Yet a modern craft distilling boom is happening in the Evergreen State, and our distillers have emerged as forerunners in the burgeoning American Single Malt revolution.

How did whiskey inspire both trouble and innovation? How did its import by settlers affect Indigenous communities and other groups? And how did whiskey play a role in the very creation of our state? Join author and journalist Becky Garrison as she distills the history of the barrel and the bottle in our state. Meet Jimmie Durkin, an enterprising saloon owner, and Roy Olmstead, a former Seattle cop turned gentleman bootlegger, and other fascinating figures who turned to the business of liquor.

Special whiskey tasting add-on! Want to enjoy some local whiskey before learning about it? Join us for a special whiskey tasting hosted by Copperworks Distilling! More details to follow.

⏳ Time: Lecture at 7:30 pm | Doors at 7:00 pm
📍Location: Stimson-Green Mansion | 1204 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 (parking available for purchase)
👤 Age Requirement: 21+ with valid ID (drinks available for purchase)
🚗 Parking: A first-come-first-serve lot is located beside the Mansion. Parking garage access is available for purchase at the ticket link.

 

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This event series is a part of our Thursdays at the Stimson-Green Mansion community programming. All proceeds support the community work of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. Thank you for your support!