Invisible Histories

Part 1 of The Ghostly Green Line: The Seattle Monorail Chronicles dives into the "ghostly green line"—the proposed Seattle Monorail that promised a transformative transit future between 1997 and 2005. Guest Cindi Laws, a veteran political operative, provides an insider’s look at the campaigns that defined that era. Laws reveals the "death by a thousand cuts" strategy employed by well-funded opponents, the deep-seated political rivalries between City of Seattle and King County leadership, and the unethical management practices that ultimately crippled the Monorail agency. The discussion moves beyond the surface-level narrative to address why Seattle’s transit planning has faced such consistent, decades-long failures. Cindi also shares the joys of successful campaigns, and herCindi Laws, a Public Affairs Consultant and Lobbyist, has specialized in trade associations for small businesses and nonprofit organizations since the late 90s. Her professional political experience began in 1986 when she worked on former US Secretary of Transportation and former Congressman Brock Adams campaign to defeat incumbent US Senator Slade Gorton. She went on to serve Sen. Adams in the US Senate, where she worked on transportation, timber, Tribes, and Labor, and then as state outreach director for Senator Adams. Cindi also worked on 3 presidential campaigns: Dukakis/Bentsen 1988 (flipping WA Blue for the first time in 20 years), and smaller roles for Clinton/Gore in both 1992 and 1996. You can connect with Cindi through her LinkedIn and Facebook"Let's celebrate the joy that we can do great things!!" -Cindi LawsPart 2 will come out on September 22nd, and will include interviews with people who worked for and volunteered with the Monorail campaigns: Rodney Rutherford,Brian Dougherty, and Michael Taylor-Judd.Show Notes:Tickets for upcoming Invisible Histories eventsSeattle Monorail Project WikipediaFor the Monorail: A 1997 Op-Ed by Walt CrowleyUSCG final environmental impact statement for Seattle Monorail Project Green Line and contains Appendix LL. (Seattle Municipal Archives - Monorail documents)Seattle monorail project / final staff recommendation for alignment and stations and includes a small amount about the Lander station and other stations. (Seattle Municipal Archives - Monorail documents)The Monorail Society: Hall of FamePeter Dibble: How Seattle rejected the Monorail (youtube)The Seattle Channel City Inside/Out: Monorail MeasurePerson of Interest: Dick Falkenbury (2016)Youtube clip of The Simpson’s Season 4: Episode 12’s Monorail songMarge vs the MonorailSubscribe to or Follow our podcast on whatever platform you listen, and please share this episode with a friend!Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!Learn more about Invisible Histories at invisible-histories.comCredits:Episode recorded in Seattle, WAEdited by Elke HautalaMusic: Alteration by IMG from Uppbeat io & Monorail by The New Concert Orchestra from Archive.orgCover art design by Cari SimsonCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.comCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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 bodies or cremains.This episode delves into:The unique experience of touring the Medical Examiner's Office, including the chilling cooler where at any time up to 100 bodies may be stored, wrapped in shrouds.James's insightful reflections on his 27 years of experience, and the emotional weight of working with families during their most difficult timesA deep dive into the Indigent Remains Program, which provides dignified burials for those who have passed without means or familyThe challenges of navigating conversations about death and the importance of humanizing those who have died, especially from marginalized communitiesThoughts on creating a memorial for the 3,260 souls interred at the lost Potter's Field, and how the community can engage in this vital conversationThis episode is not just about death; it's about life, loss, and the connections we share. Tune in to gain a profound understanding of the work that goes on behind closed doors and the importance of remembering the forgotten.Show Notes:King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO)KCMEO's Indigent Remains ProgramShare WheelSubscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Show notes: www.invisible-histories.com/episodesPlease reach out at [email protected] Podcast Collective: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella#UmbrellaPodcastCollectiveJoin us at our live events!Credits:Recorded at the King County Medical Examiner's officesProduction Coordinator and Researcher: Jacob Neville.Cover image: Design by Cari SimsonMusic: uppbeat.io "The Fog" by Danijel ZamboA special thank you to James Sosik Jr., and Kate Cole from the Communications Department for Public Health in King County and the King County Medical Examiner's OfficeCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome 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 this whole journey. Suzanne also shares the methodologies and data from Cairn Canine Detection's field explorations in the areas around the King County Poor Farm and Potter's Field, and what we can learn from the results.You won't want to miss this episode!Show Notes:Cairn Canine DetectionLearn more about Fort Simcoe Mool-Mool, and the history of the Indian Boarding School at White SwanSeabeck Cemetery Restoration ProjectSubscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Show notes: www.invisible-histories.com/episodesPlease reach out at [email protected] Podcast Collective: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella #UmbrellaPodcastCollectiveJoin us at our live events!Credits:Recorded at Works Progress and Cold Net StudiosProduction Coordinator and Researcher: Jacob Neville.Cover image: Design by Cari SimsonMusic:Cari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome 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 histories that shape our communities.We discuss the challenges posed by gentrification and the importance of historic preservation, particularly in the Central District, where significant sites like the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA are at risk. Stephanie highlights exciting upcoming events, including collaborations with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the unveiling of new digital projects to make history more accessible. Engage with the past and consider how we can all contribute to preserving these invaluable narratives for future generations.Show Notes:Black Heritage Society of Washington StateNational Museum of African American History and CultureGeorge Washington Bush in TumwaterSubscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Show notes: www.invisible-histories.comInstagram @invisiblehistoriespnwPlease reach out at [email protected] Podcast Collective: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella #UmbrellaPodcastCollectiveJoin us at our live events!Credits:Recorded at Jacqueline E. A. Lawson Resource Center in Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, and Works Progress Cooperative in Seattle WAAudio edited by Elke HautalaProduction Coordinator and Researcher: Jacob Neville.Cover image: Design by Cari Simson; Still photo of Negro Repertory Theater's production of Stevedore 1936, from the BHS Archive.Music: Win by Jeff KaaleCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, former Seattle City Councilmember, and Julianna Ross, station founder. Jean is a tireless writer, journalist, and a former three-term Seattle City Councilmember, and who is still active in civic endeavors.Listen to: Authors, elected officials, non-profit leaders, artists, journalists, and community champions.Where: Broadcasts live from Magnuson Park, SPACE 101.1 KMGP-LP, which is a hyper-local low-power radio station broadcasting to a potential listenership of over 200,000, and streams worldwide at space101fm.org.​​Show Notes:The Bridge​Space 101.1Jean Godden's webpage and blog, Post AlleyJean Godden on HistoryLinkSubscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Check out our landing page at www.invisible-histories.com  Our Instagram account will share images from each episode, @invisiblehistoriespnwIf you have a good story idea please reach out at [email protected]​Invisible Histories is part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella #UmbrellaPodcastCollectiveCredits:Recorded at Space 101.1 on July 26, 2024 at Magnuson Park, and Works Progress Cooperative in Seattle WA - Seattle’s only cooperatively run coworking space - www.worksprogress.coop Audio edited by Elke Hautala​Music: Strangers in the Night, AcapellaLicense code: DHFIKQF9LQYJYEPUACari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome 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 history of the cemetery, who is buried there, and how the Crown Hill Cemetery provides the community with compassionate death care, as well as much-needed open space in the neighborhood. Thanks to Phillip Howe from Crown Hill Cemetery and Patti Amundson for research!Show Notes:1905 Map of Greenwood areaFormer Greenwood CemeteryGreenwood Thumbnail History1891 annexation of the areaCivil War SeattleFind a Grave - Crown Hill Cemetery - Abigail BridgesNewcastle History = Crown Hill CemeterySubscribe, share, give us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Check out our landing page at www.invisible-histories.com  Our Instagram account will share images from each episode, @invisiblehistoriespnwIf you have a good story idea please reach out at [email protected]​Credits:Recorded at the Crown Hill Cemetery, and Works Progress Cooperative in Seattle WA 11/7/2024 - Seattle’s only cooperatively run coworking space - www.worksprogress.coop Audio edited by Elke Hautala​Music: In the Sweet Long AgoFuneral March of a MarionetteCari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome 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 production, "Tesla's Scintillating Salon" at the Georgetown Steam Plant Science Fair on 9/21 at 5pm and 9/22 at 4pm.Please subscribe and keep listening wherever you get your podcasts.You can support our work through Ko-fi.com.Check out our landing page at www.invisible-histories.com  Our Instagram account will share images from each episode, @invisiblehistoriespnwWe are always looking for “invisible histories” of the Pacific NW so if you have a good story idea please reach out at [email protected] at Works Progress Cooperative in Seattle WA 2024 - Seattle’s only cooperatively run coworking space - www.worksprogress.coop Audio edited by Elke HautalaZoom recording 9/5/24Show Notes:Jeff Behary's Electrotherapy Museum in Riviera beach, FloridaJeff's archive about Nikola TeslaGeorgetown Steam Plant Science Fair“The Transmission of Electrical Energy Without Wires As a Means for Furthering Peace," from Electrical World and Engineer, January 7, 1905).The Problem Of Increasing Human Energy — With Special References to the Harnessing of the Sun's Energy.Nikola Tesla: Free Unlimited Wireless Energy SpeechStudio360: Tesla and TwainNikola Tesla's hometown in Smiljan CroatiaSeattle map from 1908Music: Operatic Rag from the Library of Congress 1910Cari Simson and Elke Hautala formed Invisible Histories to visually and viscerally connect the public to experiences from the past. Their Invisible Histories podcast unearths diverse local stories and forgotten places. www.invisible-histories.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.