Give to Center Indigenous Wallingford History

Before the view in the image above became known as Lake Union and Wallingford, these waters and shores were a place of Indigenous presence and knowledge. 

To many, Wallingford's story starts in the 1890s—with settlers, streetcars, and new construction. But for thousands of years, Indigenous peoples lived, thrived, and stewarded these lands. It is long overdue to not just include this history in Wallingford’s story, but to deliberately root it at the center.

Our mission at Historic Wallingford is to foster an awareness of and appreciation for Wallingford's history and architecture. Since our launch in 2018, our focus has mainly been on the history of the neighborhood during the last 100 years or so. We acknowledge the Indigenous history of Seattle and Wallingford, but now is the time to move beyond acknowledgement.

Next year, we're excited to launch an Indigenous research initiative to explore Wallingford's pre-colonial history. But this project isn't just about the past. It's about creating a Wallingford where Indigenous histories are honored, and Indigenous voices are centered.

This project will have multiple phases, where we plan to partner with University of Washington researchers and American Indian Studies graduate students, area Tribal members and elders, Wallingford K-12 students, and local artists.

But we need your input and support to shape this project and make it happen. Here's how you can help:

• Follow us on social media @historicwallingford and sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter to keep in touch with project updates
• Tell us what you want to see this project accomplish by emailing us at info@historicwallingford.org
• Get involved by volunteering on the project team. Email vanessa@historicwallingford.org for details.
• Donate to this campaign on Giving Tuesday

Historic Wallingford has spent years building trust, preserving stories, and engaging our community. With strong partnerships, proven leadership, and a commitment to ethical storytelling, we are ready to lead this Indigenous research project. By rooting Indigenous history at the heart of Wallingford’s story, we honor generations of stewardship and ensure that Indigenous voices are not just acknowledged but centered in Wallingford’s future. Your support makes this possible.