Few engineering projects have shaped Seattle as much as the construction of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Ship Canal. Nor do many have as many false starts, political shenanigans, and chaotic history. In this talk based on David B. Williams' co-authored history of the canal and locks, Waterway (which was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award), Williams shares the far-reaching social, economic, and environmental impacts of the canal’s construction and operation.

Photo Credit: Bursting the cofferdam at Montlake, August 1916. Photo used courtesy Museum of History and Industry.

Debuting a brand-new, never-before-seen presentation, Seattle Architecture Foundation is proud to present local author and naturalist, David B. Williams. Early Seattleites often liked to boast that their city was built on seven hills, just like ancient Rome. Many still hold on to this idea, though of the original seven, two have been replaced and one has been excised through regrading. What are the remaining hilly heptad? How did they get their names? What is their human and natural history? All will be explained.

Photo Credit: Seven Hills of Seattle - From “When Seattle Was a Village” by Sophie Frye Bass, 1947

Did you miss the December debut of William's brand-new tour, The Protean Shoreline? Never fear! Here is your chance to see it.

Seattle Architecture Foundation is proud to present local author and naturalist, David B. Williams. More so than most cities, Seattle has shaped itself to suit its needs. Seattle has removed hills, filled tide flats, and created a completely new downtown shoreline. On this virtual walk, we’ll explore the last vestiges of the former downtown bluffs, trace the island where Seattle was founded, and examine how the subterranean fill still affects the modern landscape.

Image credit: Museum of History and Industry