Words, Writers, West Seattle With David Buerge

When:
June 13, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
2019-06-13T18:00:00-07:00
2019-06-13T19:30:00-07:00
Where:
Southwest Branch Seattle Public Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
Seattle
WA 98126

Chief Seattle wrote nothing down during his life, yet his words—both real and imagined—are known throughout the world. The result is a man made up of both historical and fictional aspects, from which conflicting messages can be gleaned.

David M. Buerge, a biographer and a historian to the Duwamish Tribe, Seattle’s mother’s people, spent more than 20 years exploring the man from a variety of sources to reveal a leader of epic character. He was a warrior, an orator, a benefactor, and a visionary who helped found the city that bears his name, Seattle, the largest city in the world named after a Native American.

Chief Seattle’s vision was ambitious: a prosperous, multiracial city. But toward the end of Seattle’s life, he saw that vision become a tragedy. In the current century, is Seattle the city edging any closer to the vision of Seattle the man? Buerge explores this complex figure to uncover how one man’s story still shapes the identity of the city.

Buerge, a historian, teacher, and writer, has been researching the pre- and early history of the City of Seattle since the mid-1970s. He has published fourteen books of history and biography. Buerge’s latest book, Chief Seattle and the Town that Took His Name, is the first biography of Chief Seattle intended for adults.

This program is part of the Words, Writers & West Seattle author series which features writers connected to the Duwamish Peninsula. Programs are held monthly on the second Thursday evenings.

Presented in partnership with the Southwest Seattle Historical Society.

This event is at the Southwest branch library.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required.

Space is limited at library events. Please come early to make sure you get a seat. Due to the fire code, we can’t exceed the maximum capacity for our rooms.

No Replies to "Words, Writers, West Seattle With David Buerge"

    Leave a reply

    Your email address will not be published.