Speaker Series

The Shaw Island Speaker Series brings writers, artists, historians, scientists, and neighbors together for events that explore the social, cultural, and natural history of Shaw Island and the wider world.

Voices From the Island

About the Speaker Series

The Shaw Island Library and Historical Society hosts an ongoing Speaker Series. Authors, artists, scientists, and others share their expertise with the Shaw community.

Each year, one author is invited as the Shaw Reads author to discuss a notable book available at the Library. Community members are encouraged to read and discuss this book prior to the Shaw Reads event.

Speaker Series events are open to the public free of charge. They provide a welcoming venue for the community to gather to learn, meet, and connect.

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Speaker series
Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Speakers

The Speaker Series hosts talks and programs throughout the year. Events may take place in the library, the community building, outdoors on the grounds, or online. Most are free and open to the public, thanks to generous community support.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

Love birds
July 18, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Love Birds Screening

SIL&HS Speaker Series Event
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

George Hunt and Molly Warner, research scientists George Hunt Bio: After obtaining a BS and a PhD from Harvard University, George Hunt taught a variety of subjects, from behavioral ecology to marine science,...

Chris Elias, Seattle, WA, December 12,
July 25, 2026 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Christopher J. Elias, MD, MPH

Polio: The History, The Hope, and the Last Mile
Location:
Shaw Island Library Back Lawn

President, Global Development Division, Gates Foundation. Dr. Chris Elias is the president of the Global Development Division, where he leads the foundation’s efforts in a diverse range of program areas aimed at finding...

Self portrait drawing
August 8, 2026 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tessa Hulls

2026 Shaw Reads Author
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir, 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Memoir Author and multidisciplinary artist Tessa Hulls is an artist/writer/adventurer illuminating the connections between the present and the past. Her graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts...

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August 22, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Gigi Berardi

Art and Science in Bianca’s Cure
Location:
Shaw Island Community Building

Novelist Gigi Berardi (Allaway) writes also on science, resources & planning, and dance. A Fulbright scholar in Italy and professor at Western Washington University in Bellingham, she teaches in Florence, Italy in summers....

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Remembering

Past Speakers

Past Speaker Series events have included author conversations, history talks, creative writing workshops, poetry evenings, film discussions, and more. Each one adds another layer to the shared story of Shaw Island and the people who care about it.

Browse previous programs below to revisit event details and recordings when available.