Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people have been visible and politically active in Seattle for generations. Their activism has yielded pioneering civil rights victories. Join Historian Kevin McKenna for an exploration of local LGBTQ activism history as well as lessons this past might have for present and future activist work.
MOHAI and A Guide to Visitors, Seattle's longest running storytelling event, join forces to present a night of thoughtfully curated, real-life stories told by the people who lived them. From the inspirational to the eccentric, the narratives shared during this special showcase illustrate the countless ways people are impacted by aviation. Join us for this special evening of storytelling at the museum.
Come build and play with Art+Tech+Trash! Play with ReUsetopus, an electronically responsive octopus made from re-purposed holiday lights, or build your own mini-mosaic with paper, bottle-caps, and LEDs. Visitors will also have the chance to play Space Oddity, the great escape game from Seattle Mini Maker Faire 2016: build and guide autonomous "Altoids tin" robots in a race to save the humans.
While Seattle is a relatively young city, we boast one of the nation's oldest continuously operated markets. Created as a place for farmers to sell their food direct to customers, the Market's long-time focus on locally-grown and locally-made products has endured. During this 30-minute edible journey sample six unique flavors of the Market, each one illuminating a moment in Pike Place Market history and highlighting the complexity, diversity, and innovative spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
On July 4, 1917, amid much fanfare and over 60 years of planning, the Lake Washington Ship Canal opened to the public. Join co-authors Jennifer Ott (HistoryLink Historian) and David B. Williams (author of Seattle Walks) as they share stories of Waterway. Learn how industry, transportation, and the very character of the city and surrounding region developed in response to the economic and environmental changes brought about by Seattle's canal and locks.
The idea that people can solve economic problems by working together is at the heart of the cooperative impulse. In Seattle, that impulse is strong. From coffee shops and breweries to grocery stores and outdoor retailers; Seattle has birthed long-standing and well-known cooperatives of many sizes. Hear from local cooperative leaders, moderated by Webster Walker, who will put today's regional co-ops in historical context, and explore the potential that co-ops hold for addressing current economic, environmental and labor challenges.
All food has a story to tell. Hear the riveting legend behind the traditional Chinese rice dumpling called joong, aka zongzi, from veteran storytellers, filmmakers, and community activators Tay and Val. Eat sweet and savory versions of joong from the local historic establishment Fortuna Cafe and learn about the evolution of Chinese-American food in Seattle's International District with food anthropologist and activist Maxine Chan.
In honor of MOHAI's latest exhibit It's Raining Cats and Dogs, join exhibit partner PAWS in learning to make dog and cat toys using a variety of materials and crafting techniques, from the super simple to the artfully complex.
Spend an afternoon on the University of Washington campus for a walking tour that uncovers Seattle's bounty of wild food resources. Led by Arthur Lee Jacobsen, plant expert and author of Wild Plants of Greater Seattle, this tour will teach you how to identify edible plants and the art of urban food foraging.
Historic theater and performance are experiencing a renaissance, in part due to musicals like Hamilton. This MOHAI History Café panel discussion brings together Zola Mumford, Reference and Instruction Librarian; Tyrone Brown, Artistic Director of Brownbox Theater; and Jane Kaplan, Artistic Director and Owner of Jewelbox Theater to take a closer look at how history impacts theater and performance in Seattle.
Learn the basics of woodworking from the skilled educators at Kids Carpentry Seattle, from the types of materials and tools that woodworkers use to important safety skills to practice at home or in the shop. Visitors will have the opportunity to play with wooden toys made by Kids Carpentry and even make their own wooden toy to take home.
Seattle isn't known for its glamorous street style, but that doesn't mean Seattleites aren't interested in fashion. The city has been host to glitzy runway shows, opulent theater productions, and grand displays in department stores and museums. Does this mean we are a city of style voyeurs? Explore Seattle's fashion fascination with Clara Berg, MOHAI's clothing and textiles specialist.