Friends of Georgetown History
The Friends of Georgetown History is a non profit 501(c3) organization dedicated to celebrating the neighborhood of Georgetown's many contributions to Seattle's early years.
Georgetown's "lost" cemetery: the Potter's Field
Did you know that King County operated a cemetery in Georgetown, located next to the King County Hospital and the Poor Farm? From 1876-1912, over 3,260 people were buried at the Duwamish Cemetery, also known as the Potter's Field.
FoGHi researchers present their findings about the Duwamish Cemetery, located near today's 500 S. Myrtle Street in Georgetown. Find out what happened at the end of 1912 to the human remains, which the State Auditors deemed "beyond understanding."
Listen to the "Invisible Histories" podcast - Episodes drop in January 2024.
Happy Spooky Season!
Thanks to everyone who was part of the Georgetown Haunted History Tour!
Did you forget to buy a T-shirt? We have some limited sizes available, all cotton black T-shirt with this year's eerie poster design. $25!
Order here
Want to be part of the 2024 Tour? Click here to fill in our interest form.
Media links!
Haunted Tour photos from Friday the 13th! Kim Arbios
Haunted Tour photos from Saturday the 14th! Hank Leiter / Espresso Buzz
See our King5 Evening segment from 10/5! "History and Hauntings in Seattle's Oldest Neighborhood"
South Seattle Emerald "A Haunted Guide to Halloween 2023 in the South End"
Seattle Met "Seattle's Best Haunted Houses and Frightful Draws"
METROPOLIS (1927)
Fritz Lang's classic silent film to be projected in the Boiler Room of the historic Georgetown Steam Plant.
Live Score performed by:
Dangerknife July 21st
Bill Horist and Amy Denio - September 7th
Lunch and Learn - August 15th 12-1:30
FoGHi researchers will share histories of the land, buildings, and people who lived and died around the future Watershed Community Development live-work neighborhood. Georgetown's 4th Avenue South redevelopment is on unceded Indigenous land that was transformed in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Friends of Georgetown History, Georgetown Steam Plant CDA, Spooked in Seattle and PNTA collaborated on a night of festive ghost whispering in the Georgetown Steam Plant.
Click here to view a video produced by PNTA about the experience, interviewing FoGHi event producer, Cari Simson!
Guests explored the historic Georgetown Steam Plant, built in 1906, on a guided tour with Spooked in Seattle's Ross Allison.
People could try PNTA's Ghost Hunting kits (the Classic and the Estes Method kit), and interact with the historic building.
A Warning to the Curious
Results from A Warning to the Curious: In the first photo of the Thermal Imager, a spirit or presence (dark shape) is visible, peering down on the alive people (pink and yellow) from the catwalk above the Boilers. No one was allowed up there, and a live being would show up as pink or yellow from body heat. Elsewhere in the building we experienced other odd phenomena. Further investigations are needed. 📸 @rossaghost
Previously:
Friends of Georgetown History and Pamela Bond presents:
Cedar Angels
Friends of Georgetown History Invites you to Native Crafts with Pamela
Instructions and class taught by Pamela Bond.
Limited spots available
Native Salves available for purchase
Complimentary Snacks and beverages
Doors open at 1pm
Where: 5516 4th Ave s., Seattle, WA. 98108 $35.00 for materials
Scholarships Available
RSVP required
More info: 206-990-1848
Lunch and Learn Events:
August 12, 2022
Boeing's first Airplane Engineer: Wong Tsu
Online - Noon - ARCHIVED
Wong Tsu was born in Beijing, China in 1893 and was hired as Boeing’s first airplane engineer in 1916 for $20 per week. He lived in Georgetown on Corson Street near today's Oxbow Park.
The Boeing Company’s Plant 1 was located next to today's First Avenue Bridge on the West side. He worked in the original Red Barn next to Plant 1 and designed the Model C Seaplane, used by the Navy during WWI.
In this hour-long "lunch and learn," local historian Key Donn will share the life history and achievements of Wong Tsu to advance airplane design and manufacturing around the world.
Without Wong Tsu's airplane designs, the Boeing Company might not have survived as a local business.
Remembering Patty Foley
Patty Foley was an integral part of the Georgetown Community and a superstar performer with Haunted History Players. Words cannot express how Patty's enthusiasm for history, community and a darn tootin' good time influenced the Friends of Georgetown History. She will be missed by all who met her! More photos coming soon....
The Plane Crash musical
Haunted History Players
Evoking the community spirit
Gallery
Here are a few glimpses into the past
Meadows Grandstand
On August 12, 1904, the Meadows Race Track hosted the first motorcycle race in King County, featuring three Indian motorcycles and one home-made contraption.
Lucile Street
Looking west from Maple (Beacon) Hill, you can see the Mueller School on the left and just how dangerous it was to get to school each day.
Comet Lodge Cemetery
June 10, 1927: Prior to subdivision, the baby grave markers were removed. They are clearly shown above the Johnny Jones funeral party in photo.
Seattle Brewing and Malting Co
The largest employer in the area and the fifth largest brewery west of the Mississippi River. Home of Rainier beer.
Historic Homes
The Gesner Castle is just one of a few remaining historic homes in the area. Peter Gesner built this stately home on Carleton for his family, yet died in it eleven months after moving in, alone.
Community Activism
This neighborhood has long been known for it's stand on issues often fighting back against industrial development. Women fought and won the right to vote in Washington state in 1910, ten whole years before the rest of the nation caught up.