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.

“The Spokane Olympian Who Shot Off His Hand and Transformed the American Army,” presented by William Woodward

After losing his right hand in a hunting accident at age 30, Spokane’s James A. Drain relearned to shoot lefthanded, eventually leading the USA to a marksmanship gold medal in the 1908 Olympics.

But Drain’s story – inspirational, but also influential – doesn’t stop there. He transformed Washington State’s National Guard into a professional force, then joined President Teddy Roosevelt’s team of military reformers in revamping the Army’s structure and training. His original vision for how Guard and regular soldiers should be used for both homeland and global security can inform today’s dialogue.

In this talk, explore Drain’s remarkable story of trauma, grit, and growth, his northwest roots, the history he helped create, and his legacy for our time.

⏳ Time: 7:00 Doors for lecture open | 7:30 pm Lecture
📍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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Meet the Speaker

William Woodward is Emeritus Professor of U.S. and Pacific Northwest History at Seattle Pacific University. He gives talks around the state, consults on regional history, and volunteers with the National Park Service. Bill has served as president of the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, which cited him for lifetime achievement, and as a career National Guard officer.

This event series is a part of the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation’s weekly community programming, Thursdays at the Stimson-Green Mansion. Reduced access to this event is made possible by 4Culture.