Washington, A History in Short Stories
Washington: A History in Short Stories is an ambitious documentary series that will tell the story of Washington State through the people, places, and events that shaped it. From the first Indigenous communities and the Ice Age landscape to frontier settlements, innovation, agriculture, industry, and the diverse voices that continue to define our state, each short film will bring history to life in an engaging and accessible way. Rather than simply recounting dates and facts, the series explores how individuals and communities changed the course of history—and how those stories continue to influence Washington today. Produced for PBS broadcast, streaming platforms, museums, and classrooms, the project is designed to inspire curiosity, strengthen civic understanding, and preserve the rich heritage of every corner of the Evergreen State for future generations.
This is more than a documentary series—it is an investment in Washington’s shared story. With your support, we can preserve remarkable histories that might otherwise be lost, amplify voices that have too often gone unheard, and create a lasting educational resource for students, families, and communities across the state. Every contribution helps us research, film, and share authentic stories from every region of Washington, ensuring that future generations understand not only where we came from, but how the people and events of the past continue to shape the future. Together, we can create a statewide legacy that will educate, inspire, and endure for decades to come. They are case studies in change. We are now raising funds for this 2-part series.
Seattle, A History in Short Stories
From rainy backwater to tech-driven powerhouse, Seattle has zoomed from obscurity to global leader in just over 100 years. How did it start? What caused the revolution? Where will it go? These questions will be answered in a new 3-part documentary 1 hour each Series, produced by Documentaries Seattle and airing on local KBTC PBS.. Over 50,000 people move to the Region every year, yet few of them understand why a vast rainforest transformed itself into one of the world’s leaders in technology, aerospace and retail. Better education makes better citizens to lead us into the future. This 3-hour Series will air on KBTC PBS for over 10 years and will be used as a learning tool in all 4th and 7th grade Washington State History classrooms.
““The Seattle History Series will make significant contributions to public awareness and education about important events in our regions past, and how they continue to shape emerging trends in culture, arts, politics and our economy””
With generous support from foundations, individuals and corporations we finished this series now airing on KBTC PBS and being used in WA State history classrooms.
Dante Marioni, Being Centered
Dante is still pushing the creative limits of glass art in his Seattle studio and is at the top of the 3rd generation of “Maestros”. His Italian mentor influences show in everything he creates. His story is remarkable, being at the right place with the right people at the right time. In interviewing Lino Tagliapietra on March 16th 2023 while his last visit to Seattle about Dante, he says “If Dante was in Murano working in a factory, he would be called a Super Mastero, the top in all of Murano for sure the Primo Piazza the first one”. He also says “A film on Dante is very important so the world outside of Seattle and glass collectors can see what this man can create artistically.
Hazel Wolf, Opening Doors
Hazel Wolf (March 10, 1898 – January 19, 2000) was an activist and environmentalist who lived in the Seattle area for most of her life. Born in 1898 to an American mother and a Canadian father, she lived to see three centuries before her death at 101 years of age on January 19, 2000.
As a member of the Communist Party, she was active in immigration issues and was at one point nearly deported herself. Though later, she was granted citizenship. During the later years of her life, she became known as an environmental activist and coalition builder across boundaries of race, gender, and class. Wolf also served as secretary for the Seattle Audubon Society for 35 years.