Historical Society "Saturday Speaker Series" Program, Brief History

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center houses
   the Speaker Series venue and society museum 

For those citizens lucky enough to sit in on a Redmond Historical Society (RHS) Saturday Speaker Series event they might describe their experience "an awakening" to the treasure trove of Redmond history and now current events.   

You don't just see lots of brown & white stills at Series events these days. Years ago, Redmond Historical Society's co-founder Miguel Llanos weaved a rich fabric of multi-media into the Series. Today, its a mix of live and remote presentations and published on YouTube. Miguel also played a significant role in writing and editing the society newsletter with honorable co-founders Naomi Hardy and Margaret Wiese.

Some past speaker topics: the turkey farming industry and moonshine operations; Nike rocket launching; Evergreen Hospital Chair Al DeYoung's story on his lumber business; Ben Franklin owners' story; retired Park and Recreation Director John Couch's description of his Recreation role; David William's "Human and Natural History of Puget Sound book"; and a recent "Redmond Space District" talk.  

 Zesty "Nao" Hardy built a solid foundation for the society recording detailed history on the website, compiling and editing "Redmond Reflections" (2006.) I think she co-founded the Series.  Nao coined the phase "History is happening In Redmond" -- a great motivation for me.  Mayor Marchione  recognized her contributions with a tiny park and kiosk on the corner of Leary and Redmond Way.

It's my understanding Joe Townsend started the Saturday Speaker Series and John Oftebro, the current President of RHS and Executive Vice President Laura Lee Bennett are continuing the tradition.  John re-developed Redmond's museum and is moving the society to Redmond's new Senior & Community Center.  

Background:

Mayor Rosemary Ives cum laude, and Judy Lang played big roles in founding the society, as did Mayor Chris Himes (1980 - 1984.) John Couch, 30-year Park and Recreation Director is doing  invaluable work digitalizing the "Sammamish Valley News." I like to remember Doris Scheibel, Chair of RHS Community Relations; known for her work as City Clerk to four Redmond mayors,1969-1995. She once told me I complained so much, I should run for council. 

-- Story / photo Bob Yoder, 3/29/2007, edited 5/20/2024