The Pacific Northwest Historians Guild brings together scholars concerned with the study and dissemination of regional history. Founded in Nov. 1980, the Guild fosters teaching and appreciation of Northwest history and promotes communication among regional historians.
We look forward to seeing you at our monthly Zoom lectures and other events in 2025.
MARCH 27 GUILD MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
Free and open to the public
Join us for the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild’s March 27 evening Zoom meeting and hear Seattle filmmaker Stephen Sadis deliver his talk, James J. Hill: The (Largely Unknown) Empire Builder of the Northwest.
When the railroad transformed the American landscape, few figures played a greater role than James J. Hill—yet his name is often forgotten today. As the driving force behind the Great Northern Railway, Hill built the only privately funded transcontinental railroad, extending his reach to the Pacific Northwest and shaping the region’s economic future. His vision went beyond rails—he fueled the timber and agricultural industries, developed Seattle as a global trade hub, and even foresaw the need for conservation. This presentation explores Hill’s lasting impact on the Northwest and why his story deserves to be remembered.
A Seattle native, Stephen Sadis’s filmmaking experience spans 38 years, working in Seattle, Los Angeles and New York. A multifaceted director, producer, editor and writer, he has produced twelve documentaries that have earned a number of awards, critical praise and have been broadcast throughout the country on PBS and cable. His four-part documentary, The Empire Builder. James J. Hill and the Great Northern Railway, premiered in September 2024.
This FREE Zoom meeting will start at 7 pm, Thursday March 27
Registration required, at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iG3JC5z1R7ak_XVDrclJDw