Puget Sound at war? Novelist to share 1850s history and its lessons
Published 12:41 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Once upon many times, Native Americans and American settlers fought over land — the histories are everywhere, but easily forgotten as societies move on. One such war — between settlers led by Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens and a coalition of native tribes led by Chief Leschi — defined the future of the Puget Sound area, and yet few even know it happened or the ultimate result.
Author Michael Schein will discuss the 1855-56 Puget Sound War and its present-day lessons at the Redmond Historical Society Speaker Series at 10:30am on Nov. 8 at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (16600 N.E. 80th St.). He is the author of “Bones Beneath Our Feet: A Historical Novel of Puget Sound” and is speaking courtesy of Humanities Washington.
“This is a tale of injustice,” says Schein, a former professor of American legal history. “For me, that is the most important story, since the telling and retelling helps us learn how to avoid perpetrating future injustices.”
“We have seen the name ‘Leschi’ everywhere, yet all but a few are surprised to hear that he was accused of murder and ultimately hanged by our first territorial governor, Isaac Stevens,” adds Schein. “Many people are unaware that there even was a war — they might know there were treaties, but not that enforcement of the first treaty led to war.”
A Seattle-based author, Schein says he chose to write a novel, not a non-fiction work, “because it is accessible to readers who would not pick up a traditional history book. Historical fiction can help a reader directly experience the ‘emotional truths’ of a time period in a way that no recitation of precise facts can.”
“After my talk and slide show, people are motivated to talk,” he adds. “We can explore whatever themes resonate with the group.”
The Saturday Speaker Series is a monthly program presented by the Redmond Historical Society on every second Saturday (with the exception of June, July, August and December). Topics range from local, state and Pacific Northwest historical interest. There is a suggested $5 donation for non-members. The Redmond Historical Society is a 501 (3)(c) nonprofit organization that receives support from the City of Redmond, 4 Culture, Nintendo, the Bellevue Collection, Nelson Legacy Group and Humanities Washington as well as from other donors and members.
