In-person

Preserving Our Past: A Discussion on Cultural and Historical Memory in the Pacific Northwest

2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107

206.789.5707

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Nordic American Voices oral history initiative, the National Nordic Museum invites you to join us for a panel discussion exploring the importance of preserving cultural and historical memory in the Pacific Northwest.

Local oral history practitioners will be exploring the following themes:

The Significance of Oral History: Understanding the power of personal stories in preserving cultural traditions and historical events.
Challenges and Opportunities: Discussing the challenges faced in collecting, preserving, and sharing oral histories, as well as the potential for innovation and collaboration.
Community Engagement: Exploring the role of communities in preserving their own history and fostering a sense of belonging.
Future Directions: Examining emerging technologies that can help ensure the longevity and accessibility of oral history collections.

This event is free and open to the public! Please join us for a reception after the panel.

Speakers

Conor Casey

Head of the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington
Bio

Conor Casey

Head of the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington

Head of the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington (2010-Present). Archivist at Pixar Animation (2008-10) and the Labor Archives & Research Center, SFSU (2001-8). A certified archivist, they hold a US History MA, and a MLIS. Conor served several terms as co-chair of the Society of American Archivists’ Labor Archives Section (2012-21, 2024-26), as vice president of the Pacific Northwest Labor History Association (2017-20), and as president of the Northwest Historians Guild (2014-16). In 2019-23, Casey helped unionize libraries and press employees at UW, helping to bargain a first contract. Casey’s research interests include labor history, community archives, ethnic and immigration history, and oral history curation.
Allie Cheroutes

Allie’s approach to her work is rooted in an appreciation of history told through narrators’ own voices and in their own words.
Bio

Allie Cheroutes

Allie’s approach to her work is rooted in an appreciation of history told through narrators’ own voices and in their own words.

Her role at the National Nordic Museum allows her to preserve important testimonies for future generations and find new ways to increase connection and access. Some of her favorite experiences working with oral history interviews include producing podcasts from legacy collections in collaboration with the Oral History Center at UC Berkeley and the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle.
Ken Matsudaira

Ken holds a BA from the Evergreen State College with concentrations in studio art and history, and an MA of Cultural Studies from the University of Washington, where his capstone project examined how pre-war Japanese nationalism within the Japanese American community is framed within oral history interviews.
Bio

Ken Matsudaira

Ken holds a BA from the Evergreen State College with concentrations in studio art and history, and an MA of Cultural Studies from the University of Washington, where his capstone project examined how pre-war Japanese nationalism within the Japanese American community is framed within oral history interviews.

He was the long-time curator of the M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery at Seattle Central College, Director of Community and Cultural Programs at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and currently serves as a Senior Exhibits Developer and Oral History Program Manager at The Wing. He serves on the board of directors for the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community, and for Seattle Print Arts. He is a big fan of hearing and sharing stories, exploration of food and food histories, and the NYT Sunday crossword puzzle.
Sierra Parsons

Sierra is a community organizer, circle keeper, and oral historian based in South Seattle.
Bio

Sierra Parsons

Sierra is a community organizer, circle keeper, and oral historian based in South Seattle.

Her current work focuses on nurturing intergenerational leadership by designing and facilitating experiential learning communities within Seattle Public Schools, empowering them to become more restorative. Sierra is guided by Ella Baker's belief that knowledge of Black history forms the foundation for grassroots collective action. In her free time, Sierra enjoys cooking, painting, and taking walks at Seward Park with loved ones.