SEPTEMBER 11-12 CALENDAR ALERT! A Northwest Historian Brings THEODORE ROOSEVELT Back to Washington State in FREE Program

Theodore Roosevelt speaks to a crowd in Olympia, Washington, in 1903   Photo provided by Scott Woodward.

Few people now living realize that in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt toured the state of Washington, visiting seventeen towns and cities, large and small. Long before presidents flew on Air Force One, this one had a private six-car train and entered the state from the south, crossing the Columbia River on a specially designed train ferry, five years before a bridge was built. His staff and members of the press accompanied him. In spite of the limitations of communication at the dawn of the 20th century, word of Roosevelt's tour traveled quickly, bringing out throngs of admirers who eagerly waited to greet him at every whistle stop. He had a knack for bringing people together, even if they held diverse views, uniting them as Americans.

Now the spirit of Roosevelt visits this state once again, personified by a fascinating man named Scott Woodward, a retired educator who, for thirty years, taught American history, Washington state history, and anthropology at both high school and college levels. He lives in Richland, Washington, and these days, in addition to dedicating himself to volunteer work and serving as president of the Tapteal Greenway and Ridges to Rivers Open Space Network, he travels around the state giving a presentation he has created titled Theodore Roosevelt: Wilderness Warrior in Washington State. These programs are made possible by a grant from  Humanities Washington.  You can read an interview with Scott Woodward here: The Bull Moose and the Evergreen State

Two of presentations take place this weekend, FREE to the public. On Friday, September 11, at 4 p.m., Woodward will be at the Steilacoom branch of the Pierce County Library, followed by an appearance at the Shelton Timberland Library on Saturday, September 12, at 2 p.m. (Click on library links for directions.) Although he has no programs scheduled during the month of October, they resume in November. You can see the dates and locations on the Humanities Washington website's calendar and events page.

Scott Woodward

"This program has traveled to communities all across Washington State," Woodward said, "met with receptive, appreciative and inquisitive audiences. It has been my pleasure to share this story in my home state."

Woodward's multimedia presentations incorporate narrative and images on history and anthropology, and even include music. His fascination with Theodore Roosevelt is contagious, and you might find your self equally captivated by TR's ability to bring people of all kinds together as Americans, regardless of their political views. 

"It has been a very rewarding tour with the Humanities Washington Wilderness Warrior program," Woodward said. "Most audiences are fascinated with how a politician could get things done crossing all party lines and tie the state together both east and west, and the country for that matter. It certainly would be a breath of fresh air if we could do that today."

Theodore Roosevelt in Bremerton, 1903 

All photos were provided by Scott Woodward. Please watch for reminders of upcoming programs by Woodward to be presented on the east side of the state. You might also like to know about the Theodore Roosevelt Association. Thank for reading Good Life Northwest and visiting the blog's Facebook page. 

ROGER FERNANDES, NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIST AND STORYTELLER TO VISIT VASHON ISLAND JAN. 24

photo courtesy of Roger Fernandes and VMIHA

Roger Fernandes, or Kawasa, as his fellow members of the Lower Elwha Band of S'Klallam Indians near Port Angeles call him, has strong feelings about how stories should be shared. This tribal historian, artist, and teacher specializing in Coast Salish art, does not believe stories should be trapped inside books.

"The true power of storytelling comes when the moisture of the teller's breath gives life and power to the story," Fernandes says.

Prepare to experience the power for yourself. 

Fernandes will visit Vashon Island on Saturday evening, January 24, to share stories in the way he believes is best, as he presents a special program called "Teachings of the First People." This FREE public event takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust building at 10014 SW Bank Road, and will include legends, myths, creation stories, and flood stories meant to bring a sense of Northwest Native American culture to the children and adults who attend and help them understand it better. 

This evening of storytelling is offered in conjunction with the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association's museum exhibit called "Vashon Island's Native People: Navigating Seas of Change," and is sponsored by VMIHA, Humanities Washington and others*. The museum exhibit runs through March 15, 2015, at 10105 SW Bank Road, in the heart of the town of Vashon, but the story telling event takes place only on January 24 at the Land Trust building. 

A trip to the island and an evening of storytelling would be a nice way to spend some quality time with your family and a learning experience that will enrich your own life. To get a taste of the talents of Roger Fernandes, listen to a few tales here. To see some of his artwork, please click here. And for your convenience, here is the ferry schedule.

For more information~

Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association

10105 Bank Road SW

PO Box 723

Vashon Island, Washington 98070
206-463-7808
admin@vashonheritage.org

Additional sponsors are:

4Culture

Puget Sound Energy

DIG

Beth de Groen

Rick's Diagnostic & Repair Service

The Hardware Store Restaurant

John L. Scott Real Estate

Northwest School of Animal Massage

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