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 State

National Museum of African American History and Culture

George Washington Bush in Tumwater

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Show notes: www.invisible-histories.com

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Credits:

Recorded at Jacqueline E. A. Lawson Resource Center in Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, and Works Progress Cooperative in Seattle WA

Audio edited by Elke Hautala

Production 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 Kaale

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

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