Invisible Histories

Cari Simson Elke Hautala

The Invisible Histories podcast unearths lost Pacifc NW stories, hidden histories, and forgotten places, and viscerally connects the public to experiences from the past. The monthly episodes unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people alive today. www.invisible-histories.com Read our latest newsletter! Our Instagram account shares images from each episode, @invisiblehistoriesPNW We are always looking for “invisible histories” of the Pacific NW so if you have a good story idea please reach out at invisiblehistoriespnw@gmail.com. Recorded at Works Progress Cooperative www.worksprogress.coop Edited by Elke Hautala Listen Notes 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Connecting Generations: Our Dads and Their Hidden Histories

    EPISODE 1

    Connecting Generations: Our Dads and Their Hidden Histories

    In this heartwarming New Year's episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala celebrate fresh beginnings by turning the spotlight on their own families. They engage in meaningful conversations with their fathers, John Simson and Burton Kummerow, who share their unique experiences and contributions to public history. As both dads delve into their respective roles, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of stories that highlight the importance of community engagement and the preservation of history. John, the Sexton of South Burlington, Vermont, discusses his efforts to restore local cemeteries, emphasizing the significance of maintaining these historical sites for future generations. Meanwhile, Burton shares his lifelong dedication to living history in Maryland, reflecting on the power of storytelling and the role of public history in today's complex political climate. This episode not only showcases the impactful work of their fathers but also encourages listeners to connect with their own family histories. Cari and Elke remind us that these personal narratives can offer invaluable insights and foster a deeper understanding of our collective past. Join them in this touching tribute to family and history, and discover the hidden stories that shape our communities. Show Notes South Burlington, Vermont CemeteriesVermont Old Cemeteries AssociationMaryland Mosaic ProjectHistoric St. Mary's City In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the ChesapeakeWA Film Works Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts! Support our work through Ko-fi.com. For more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com Credits: Episode recorded in South Burlington, Vermont, Seattle, WA and Edmonds, WA Edited by Elke Hautala Cover art: ; design by Cari Simson Music: Soundroll "Great Things to Happen" Uppbeat.io 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.

    1h 13m
  2. Uncovering the Untold Legacy of Moses Seattle

    EPISODE 2

    Uncovering the Untold Legacy of Moses Seattle

    In this powerful episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala engage in a gripping conversation with David Norman Lewis, the author of the newly released book, The Burning of Moses Seattle. This episode dives deep into the tragic and violent history surrounding Moses Seattle, a descendant of Chief Seattle, whose life was marked by both cultural significance and horrific events. David shares the chilling details of Moses' untimely death, which was the result of a brutal act of violence fueled by the tensions of Prohibition-era Seattle. Through David's extensive research, listeners are introduced to the complexities of Native American history, the struggles faced by indigenous peoples, and the often-overlooked narratives that shape our understanding of the past. As the discussion unfolds, Cari and Elke explore themes of identity, resilience, and the importance of reclaiming stories that have been marginalized. David's unique perspective sheds light on the intersection of public history, storytelling, and the ongoing impact of colonialism in the Pacific Northwest. This episode is a poignant reminder of the hidden histories that deserve to be heard and acknowledged. Show Notes: David Norman Lewis for Evergreen Ape pageLeft Bank Books / Couth Buzzard (local bookshops carrying his book)The Burning of Moses SeattleSuquamish TribeBeneath the StreetsFantasy A Gets a MattressThe Siwash, Their Life Legends And Tales: Puget Sound And Pacific Northwest (1895) Chief Seattle's Grandson, Seattle Weekly 2015Old School; Taking to the Streets to Publicize a BookArthur C. Ballard Puget Sound Bibliography of the Puget Sound Coast Salish​ Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts! Support our work through Ko-fi.com. For more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com   Credits: Episode recorded in Edmonds, WA Edited by Elke Hautala Cover art: ; design by Cari Simson Music: Soundroll "Great Things to Happen" Uppbeat.io 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.

    1h 8m
  3. The Lazy Husbands Act: Unpacking Washington's Family Desertion Laws

    EPISODE 3

    The Lazy Husbands Act: Unpacking Washington's Family Desertion Laws

    Explore the hidden histories of family desertion and social justice in our latest episode! Discover how the Lazy Husbands Act of 1913 aimed to support abandoned families in Washington State, and what actually happened. Tune in for an insightful discussion that connects the past with our present. Don't miss it! In this enlightening episode of Invisible Histories, hosts Cari Simson and Elke Hautala delve into the complexities of early 20th-century social welfare in Washington State, focusing on the 1913 Family Desertion Act, often referred to as the "Lazy Husbands Act." The discussion unveils the harsh realities faced by women and children abandoned by their husbands and fathers during a time when economic instability alcohol abuse, and gambling were rampant. As they explore the historical context of this legislation, Cari and Elke highlight the establishment of county poor farms, including the infamous Willows Farm, where men convicted of family desertion were put to work to support their families. The hosts reflect on the societal implications of these laws, the struggles of the women left behind, and the ongoing relevance of these issues in today’s world. Listeners are invited to consider the evolution of social safety nets and the persistent challenges that marginalized communities face. With a blend of humor and heartfelt reflection, this episode serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding our collective past and the stories that continue to shape our society. Show Notes: Lazy Husbands Act of 1913Lazy Husbands StockadeHollywood Farm (Woodinville)Seattle retires Chain Gang and opens the Municipal Workhouse and stockade on Beacon Hill on July 1, 1909How Welfare Began in the United StatesInvisible Histories event on April 23-24th: History Comes Alive at Harbor Island​ Subscribe, share, and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts! Support our work through Ko-fi.com. For more information, visit: www.invisible-histories.com   Credits: Episode recorded in Edmonds, WA Edited by Elke Hautala Cover art design by Cari Simson; Seattle Daily Times (published as THE SEATTLE DAILY TIMES) - April 18, 1913 - page 2; Seattle Post-Intelligencer (published as The Seattle post-intelligencer.) - November 10, 1913 - page 2 Music: Soundroll "Great Things to Happen" Uppbeat.io 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.

    47 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Invisible Histories podcast unearths lost Pacifc NW stories, hidden histories, and forgotten places, and viscerally connects the public to experiences from the past. The monthly episodes unearth some cool, creepy and hopefully meaningful connections for people alive today. www.invisible-histories.com Read our latest newsletter! Our Instagram account shares images from each episode, @invisiblehistoriesPNW We are always looking for “invisible histories” of the Pacific NW so if you have a good story idea please reach out at invisiblehistoriespnw@gmail.com. Recorded at Works Progress Cooperative www.worksprogress.coop Edited by Elke Hautala Listen Notes 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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