- 13
- Episodes
- 7
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Field Notes
In HistoryLink’s Field Notes podcast, we journey with users ‘in the field’ to experience Washington state history through a curated selection of HistoryLink articles.
- Publisher
- HistoryLink
- Category
- history
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 18 Sept 2025
- Latest episode
- 7 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
7 Oct 2026
How Seattle Was Made
In this live season-two finale recorded at MOHAI, our host and guest dig into how Seattle was made, from tectonic plates and the Ice Age to the glaciers that deposited our city’s hills, to how land-speculating settlers shaped the ground beneath the city by regrading Denny Hill and creating the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about deep time, terraforming, and how understanding history can deepen our relationship with, and sense of belonging to, the place we live. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Vikram Prakash. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: Denny Regrade (Seattle) - (https://www.historylink.org/File/21204)HistoryLink.org (http://historylink.org) by David B. Williams Vashon glacier begins to melt and recede from Puget Sound region and Columbia Basin around 16,900 years ago. - (https://www.historylink.org/File/5087)HistoryLink.org (http://historylink.org) by Jennifer Ott Harvey Pike starts to dig a canal connecting Seattle's Union and Portage bays in the 1860s. (https://www.historylink.org/File/3404) by David B. Williams Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Lake Washington Ship Canal (Seattle) - (https://www.historylink.org/File/1444)HistoryLink.org (http://historylink.org) by David B. Williams Seattle City Council passes ordinance for first large-scale grading of a Seattle street on June 8, 1876. (https://www.historylink.org/File/10229) by David B. Williams Check out ArchitectureTalk, a podcast hosted by today's guest, Vikram Prakash, that explores issues in contemporary architecture and architectural thinking: www.architecturetalk.org (https://www.architecturetalk.org/about) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
23 Sept 2026
A New Statue for Sadako
In this week’s episode, we explore the history, mystery, and legacy of the Sadako and the Thousand Cranes bronze sculpture in Seattle’s (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Park_(Seattle))Peace Park (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Park_(Seattle)). The sculpture honors Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who survived the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing at age two and later died from radiation-induced leukemia at age 12, and who has since become a worldwide symbol of peace through her paper crane folding. Content Warnings: This episode contains descriptions of theft, violence, and war, and may be alarming to some listeners. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Saya Moriyasu. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: Seattle Peace Park is dedicated on August 6th, 1990. (https://www.historylink.org/File/9352) by Kit Oldham United States Drops Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. (https://www.historylink.org/File/1351) by Greg Lang City of Seattle's Civic Art Collection (Part 1) (https://www.historylink.org/File/22609) by Traci Timmons Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Schmoe, Floyd W. (1895-2001) (https://www.historylink.org/File/3876) by Kit Oldham World War II Japanese American Incarceration — Seattle/King County (https://www.historylink.org/File/240) by David Takami Japanese American Resettlement in Washington After World War II (https://www.historylink.org/File/23408) by Jonathan van Harmelen Richland residents discover the truth about what they were producing at Hanford upon U.S. bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 (https://www.historylink.org/File/8454). by Jim Kershner To learn more about Saya’s work, visit: www.sayamoriyasu.com (https://www.sayamoriyasu.com/) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
9 Sept 2026
The Patron Saint of Light Rail
This week, we ride along with our host and featured guest on the 1 Line as they unpack decades of regional transit history: from the early Link light rail concept in the 1980s to its 1996 inception under Sound Transit to its expansion into a multi-regional rapid transit system across the Puget Sound Region. Hop aboard and hold on, you’re in for a ride! This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Bruce Englehardt. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: Sound Transit (King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) (https://historylink.org/File/8002) by Josh Cohen Earl, Joni (b. 1953) (https://historylink.org/File/20989) by Jim Kershner Sound Transit begins Link light-rail service to Capitol Hill and the University of Washington from downtown Seattle on March 19, 2016 (https://historylink.org/File/20720). by Jim Kershner Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Seattle Transportation: From Trolleys to Monorails, A Timeline (https://historylink.org/File/4005) by Walt Crowley King Street Station (Seattle) - (https://historylink.org/File/11124)HistoryLink.org (http://historylink.org) by John Caldbick King County Metro Transit (https://historylink.org/File/20968) by Jim Kershner Interurban Rail Transit in King County and the Puget Sound Region - HistoryLink.org (https://historylink.org/File/2667) by Walt Crowley For more information about Link light rail and Sound Transit, visit: www.soundtransit.org (http://www.soundtransit.org) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
26 Aug 2026
Sincerely Yours, Roy Gardner
Dive into the fascinating story of Roy Gardner, a notorious American outlaw known, among many things, as the last great American Train Robber in the Roaring Twenties. From his gunrunning days during the Mexican Revolution to his famous escape from the McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary near Steilacoom in 1921, Gardner is widely regarded as “King of the Escape Artists.” Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, incarceration, or suicide and may be alarming to some listeners. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Casey McNerthney. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: Roy Gardner, king of escape artists, flees McNeil Island Penitentiary on September 5, 1921. (https://historylink.org/File/9792) by Duane Colt Denfeld, Ph.D. McNeil Island and the Federal Penitentiary, 1841-1981 (https://historylink.org/File/5238) by Daryl C. McClary McNeil Island Corrections Center, 1981-present (https://historylink.org/File/5239) by Daryl C. McClary For more information about Roy Gardner, check out Casey’s Post-Intelligencer article: Roy Gardner's great McNeil Island escape (https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Roy-Gardner-s-great-McNeil-Island-escape-1315880.php) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
12 Aug 2026
The Country Doctor Rambles
Uncover the story of Seattle’s Country Doctor Community Clinic, from its formation by anti-war social justice activists to its role as one of Seattle’s first healthcare clinics to welcome HIV+ patients, and its lasting legacy as a patient-centered, community-based healthcare clinic. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Tom Byers with an appearance by Tim Burak. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: Country Doctor Community Clinic (Seattle) (https://historylink.org/File/23491) by Rita Cipalla Black Panther Party's Seattle chapter opens the Sidney Miller Free Medical Clinic (now the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center) on December 1, 1969. (https://historylink.org/File/1335) by Nick Rousso HIV/AIDS in Western Washington (https://historylink.org/File/20871) by Rosette Royale Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Black Panther Party's Seattle chapter opens the Sidney Miller Free Medical Clinic (now the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center) on December 1, 1969. (https://historylink.org/File/1335) by Nick Rousso Lifelong AIDS Alliance (Seattle) (https://historylink.org/File/22555) by Nick Rousso Antiwar protesters block Interstate 5 in Seattle on May 5, 1970. (https://historylink.org/File/1994) By Walt Crowley For more information about Seattle Roots Community Health, visit: www.seattleroots.org (http://seattleroots.org) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
29 Jul 2026
Open 24 Hours
Season two of Field Notes kicks off at the legendary Twede's Cafe in North Bend, where our host and special guest dive into the lore of some of Washington State’s iconic diners. Pull up a chair as we journey through time, highlighting the stories and cultural moments from diners of yore; a love letter to diner culture and the places and spaces that feel like a home away from home. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Cynthia Brothers. Curated HistoryLink article set for this episode includes: First Twin Peaks Festival commences in North Bend on August 14, 1992. (https://historylink.org/File/11182) by Antonia Kelleher Dog House: The Last Call: A Reminiscence (https://historylink.org/File/3472) by Floyd Waterson The Igloo — Lost Landmark of Seattle's Auto-Tecture (https://historylink.org/File/1162) by Alan J. Stein Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: The Igloo Restaurant, a Vancouver diner famed for its burgers and shakes, opens on August 1, 1948. (https://historylink.org/File/23131) by Rita Cipalla Twin T-Ps Restaurant, early roadside attraction, opens on March 13, 1937. (https://historylink.org/File/2890) by Walt Crowley For more from Cynthia Brothers and Vanishing Seattle, check out: www.vanishingseattle.org (https://www.vanishingseattle.org/) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts, visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
25 Nov 2025
The Musical Castle
The season one finale of Field Notes explores the life and legacy of Seattle music producer Gary Mula and the musical castle he built at The Dutchman Studios. The podcast features archival interview recordings with Mula where he recalls how The Dutchman became a diverse, welcoming mecca for various genres, from grunge to early hip-hop. Ultimately, this episode celebrates Mula's unwavering, community-driven spirit as reflected in his final project, The Rabbit Box, which continues his commitment to providing uncompromising artistic space. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Shin Yu Pai. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: The Dutchman (Seattle) (https://www.historylink.org/File/22889)by Shin Yu Pai Rock Music - Seattle (https://www.historylink.org/file/2374) by Clark Humphrey Women of Northwest Rock: The First 50 Years (1957-2007) (https://www.historylink.org/file/8935) by Peter Blecha Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Crocodile Cafe: Seattle's Icon of the Grunge Rock Era (https://www.historylink.org/File/8448) by Peter Blecha Cobain, Kurt (1967-1994) (https://www.historylink.org/file/20421) by Peter Blecha Kurt Cobain posts a "Drummer Wanted" classified advertisement in Seattle's The Rocket on May 1, 1988. (https://www.historylink.org/file/10378) by Peter Blecha Nirvana debuts brand-new grunge-rock anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit" at Seattle's OK Hotel all-ages club on April 17, 1991 (https://www.historylink.org/file/11002) by Peter Blecha Central Tavern and Saloon (Seattle) (https://www.historylink.org/file/22524) by Peter Blecha Seattle's "underground" hip-hop scene breaks out with big Exhibition Hall gig on August 17, 1984 (https://www.historylink.org/File/9778) by Peter Blecha KJR Radio (Seattle) (https://www.historylink.org/file/22444) by Peter Blecha For more from Shin Yu Pai check out: https://shinyupai.com/ Ten Thousand Things Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ten-thousand-things-with-shin-yu-pai/id1632530945) Track List for This Episode Gary Mula – Maraca’s CL (https://soundcloud.com/gary-mula/maracas-cl) (2002?) Gary Mula – Don’t Mind (https://soundcloud.com/gary-mula/dont-mind?in=gary-mula/sets/mula-2001-cd) (2002) Thrust – What Do I Have To Do (https://soundcloud.com/gary-mula/what-do-i-have-to-do) (1978) Thrust – Bombs Away (https://soundcloud.com/gary-mula/bombs-away) (1978) Dumb Thumbs – Nothing Ever Lasts (https://dumbthumbs.bandcamp.com/track/nothing-ever-lasts) (2020) Nirvana – Blew (https://music.apple.com/us/song/blew-remastered/336378011) (1989) Common Language – <a href="https://commonlanguagemusic.bandcamp.com/track/cover-me"...
11 Nov 2025
Forged in the Fires
Uncover the history of wildfire management in Washington State, from the tragic 1902 Yakult Burn to the massive 2015 Carlton Complex Fire and learn how these catastrophic events spurred the creation of the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA), a pioneering effort in organized firefighting and resource protection. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Russell Holter. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Yacolt Burn, largest forest fire in recorded Washington history to that point, rages for three days beginning on September 11, 1902 (https://www.historylink.org/File/5196) by David Wilma Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA): Policy Actions 1908-2008 (https://historylink.org/File/8790) by Phil Dougherty Carlton Complex Fire (https://historylink.org/File/10989) by Jim Kershner Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Forest Fire in Washington State (https://historylink.org/File/5496) by David Wilma Fire burns more than 35 square miles on and east of the Sammamish Plateau in King County starting on April 16, 1939 (https://historylink.org/File/8121) by Phil Doughtery Native Americans set a huge forest fire in about 1800 (https://historylink.org/File/5497) by David Wilma Timber companies organize Washington Forest Fire Association on April 6, 1908 (https://historylink.org/File/5286) by David Wilma Two Forest Service fire guards become the first smokejumpers to parachute into a forest fire in Washington on August 10, 1940 (https://historylink.org/File/20748) by Fred Poyner IV Fire Lookouts in Washington (https://historylink.org/File/23254) by David Wilma McBain solo staffs the Skykomish Lookout Station in summer 1918 (https://historylink.org/File/23117) by Melinda Van Wingen Forest fires sweep eastern King County on May 31, 1922 (https://historylink.org/File/2915) by David Wilma And more (https://www.historylink.org/Search/Results?Keyword=forest%20fire&Year=2025&SortBy=Title&PageSize=24&SplitSearch=True&NarrationOnly=False)! For more from Russell Holter check out: Articles written for HistoryLink (https://www.historylink.org/Search/Results?Keyword=russell%20holter&SearchFields=Author&Year=2025&SortBy=Title&PageSize=24&SplitSearch=True&NarrationOnly=False) To visit Pack Forest check out: https://www.packforest.org/ For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
28 Oct 2025
Cemetery Shuffle
Dig into the disturbing history of how Snohomish Pioneer, Seattle (Denny Park), and Duwamish Cemeteries were exhumed and their thousands of bodies moved or cremated to accommodate modern development. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Taylor Russell. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Mary Low Sinclair arrives in Cadyville on May 1, 1865 (https://www.historylink.org/file/8327) by Warner Blake Seattle Cemetery (https://www.historylink.org/File/969) by Laura Angotti Duwamish Cemetery (https://www.historylink.org/File/22985) by Phil Dougherty Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: Seattle establishes its first public park, Denny Park, on site of the city's first municipal cemetery on July 10, 1884 (https://www.historylink.org/File/7287) by Walt Crowley Seattle's Denny Hotel Cemetery (https://www.historylink.org/File/2044) by Laura Angotti Historic Cemeteries of Seattle and King County (https://historylink.org/File/23411) by Laura Angotti and HistoryLink Staff Mary Ann Conklin aka Mother Damnable (https://www.historylink.org/File/1934#:~:text=Conklin%20died%20in,all%20features%20intact.) by Junius Rochester For more from Taylor Russell check out: www.snohomishwalks.com (https://www.snohomishwalks.com) Articles written for HistoryLink (https://www.historylink.org/Search/Results?Keyword=taylor%20russell&SearchFields=Author&Year=2025&SortBy=Title&PageSize=24&SplitSearch=True&NarrationOnly=False) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
14 Oct 2025
The Mouse-Tail Tree
Explore the story of the mighty Douglas Fir 🌲—from its mouse-tail cone legend and 7,000-year history in the Puget Lowland to its key, and sometimes controversial, role in shaping the landscape and lumber boom of Washington state. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest David B. Williams. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Washington Icon: The Douglas Fir (https://www.historylink.org/File/23219#:~:text=Few%20plants%20have%20played%20as,%2C%20building%20material%2C%20and%20medicine.) by David B. Williams The Mineral Tree, a 393-foot Douglas fir in Lewis County, falls in 1930 (https://www.historylink.org/file/23164#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20its%20towering,River%20Arboretum%20in%20Skamania%20County.) by David B. Williams Modern plant communities in the Puget lowland begin to thrive around 7,000 years ago (https://www.historylink.org/File/20236#:~:text=With%20this%20change%20the%20ecosystems,the%20dominant%2C%20large%20conifer%20trees.) by David B. Williams Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: David Douglas arrives at Fort Vancouver to begin two years of botanical exploration on April 20, 1825 (https://www.historylink.org/File/7298) by Kit Oldham Tyee Creek Fire burns 135,000 acres for 33 days north of Wenatchee, beginning on July 24, 1994 (https://www.historylink.org/File/5492) by David Wilma Northgate Center lights the world's tallest Christmas tree — a 212-foot Douglas fir — on November 24, 1950 (https://www.historylink.org/File/21359#:~:text=On%20November%2024%2C%201950%2C%20officials,was%20billed%20as%20the%20biggest.) by Phil Dougherty For more from David B. Williams check out: www.GeologyWriter.com (https://geologywriter.com/) The Street Smart Naturalist podcast (https://streetsmartnaturalist.substack.com/podcast) Articles written for HistoryLink (https://www.historylink.org/Search/Results?Keyword=david%20williams&SearchFields=Author&Year=2025&SortBy=Title&PageSize=24&SplitSearch=True&NarrationOnly=False) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
30 Sept 2025
Valle de Yakima
In this episode, dive into the rich history of the Yakima Valley. We'll uncover how the Valley's landscape was shaped not just by agriculture, but by distinct waves of immigration from diverse communities, and how it has become a powerful hub of political and cultural activism. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Gonzalo Guzmán. Resource Library Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: Wapato - It's History and Hispanic Heritage (https://historylink.org/File/7937) by Gonzalo Guzmán Chicano Movement in Washington: Political Activism in the Puget Sound and Yakima Valley Regions, 1960s-1980s (https://www.historylink.org/file/7922) by Oscar Rosales Castaneda Thousands march streets of Seattle and Yakima in support of immigrants' rights on May 1, 2006 (https://www.historylink.org/File/7980) by Oscar Rosales Castaneda For further reading, check out: Granger - Thumbnail History (https://www.historylink.org/file/10450) by Alan J. Stein Yakima County - Thumbnail History (https://www.historylink.org/file/7651) by Paula Becker Bracero Program: Crossing the Border to a New Life (https://www.historylink.org/file/10165) by History Day Award Winner Cameron Holt Radio KDNA goes on the air in the Yakima Valley in December 1979 (https://www.historylink.org/file/8014) by Oscar Rosales Castaneda Find the full collection of HistoryLink articles written by Gonzalo Guzmán here (http://www.historylink.org/Search/Results?Keyword=gonzalo%20guzman&SearchFields=Author&Year=2025&SortBy=Title&PageSize=24&SplitSearch=True&NarrationOnly=False). For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
18 Sept 2025
The Mountain is Out
Climb into the history of Washington State as we talk with Art Thiel about what makes the mountains so special. We'll explore the legacy of legendary climbers like Jim Whittaker and Fred Beckey, and discover how this region became a hub for outdoor innovation, giving rise to iconic brands like REI. This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Art Thiel. Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes: The Northwest's Influence on the Growth of Wilderness Recreation (https://www.historylink.org/file/20551) by Peter LeSourd Becky, Fred (1923-2017) (https://www.historylink.org/File/9373)by Peter Blecha Whittaker, James W. (b. 1929) (https://www.historylink.org/File/9361) by Glenn Drosendahl Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode: REI — Part 1 (1938-1970) (https://www.historylink.org/File/23227) by Rita Cipalla REI — Part 2 (1971-2025) (https://www.historylink.org/File/23318) by Rita Cipalla For more from Art Thiel, visit: SportsPressNW.com (https://www.sportspressnw.com/author/artthiel) For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the: HistoryLink.org Podcast Page (https://historylink.org/File/22657)
18 Sept 2025
Field Notes Trailer
In HistoryLink's new podcast, "Field Notes", we journey with site users 'in the field' to experience Washington state history brought to life through a curated selection of HistoryLink articles.
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