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. 

Read more about the Potter's Field

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"

Read more

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. 

Click to see PNTA photos from the event!

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

Limited Tickets available!

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 

Volunteer

Do you love storytelling?  Join our production team and be part of the tour!

Contact Us

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.

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