Our Impact

History has the power to connect us—to our communities, to one another, and to the generations that came before us. At Documentaries Seattle, we believe that preserving these stories is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future.

Our films do more than document the past. They help students understand how Washington’s people, places, and defining moments continue to shape the world around them today. Through compelling storytelling, we encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences that have built our state.

By providing our documentaries free of charge to Washington’s schools, PBS stations, museums, libraries, and digital platforms, we remove barriers to access and ensure these stories remain available to everyone—not just today, but for future generations.

Education

Our documentaries are designed to support educators by bringing Washington history to life in engaging, accessible ways. Short-form films allow teachers to integrate local history into classrooms while encouraging discussion, exploration, and lifelong learning.

Community

Every project is created in collaboration with historians, educators, cultural organizations, community leaders, and local experts. Together, we help preserve stories that might otherwise be forgotten while celebrating the people whose ideas, courage, and perseverance helped shape Washington.

Public Access

We believe history belongs to everyone. That’s why our films are made available through public television, educational platforms, and community partners, ensuring audiences of all ages can discover and learn from Washington’s rich heritage.

Looking Ahead

Our impact continues to grow. Building on the success of Seattle, A History in Short Stories, we are expanding our work to create Washington, A History in Short Stories—a statewide documentary series that will tell the remarkable stories of communities across Washington. By preserving these stories today, we are creating a lasting educational resource that will inform, inspire, and serve generations to come.

Impact at a Glance
Our Accomplishments Through June 2026

• 90+ individual documentary stories preserving Seattle and Washington history

• 3.5 hours of award-winning documentary programming created for public television

• 3+ million viewers reached through PBS, community television, streaming, and educational platforms

• Free educational resources available to Washington classrooms through the OSPI Open Educational Resources platform

• Broadcast statewide on PBS and community television stations

• Educational partnerships with teachers, historians, museums, libraries, and cultural organizations

• Permanent digital archive preserving Washington’s people, places, and defining moments

• Inspiring lifelong learning through the power of documentary storytelling