Seminars are free to attend, although we hope you will support the Series with a suggested $10 Seminar Guest donation. Link will be provided after registering. 

Join us for a special evening with author and educator Robert Steelquist as he explores Puget Sound maritime history, drawing from his deep knowledge of the region and its place within the newly designated Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. This special seminar will highlight the people, places, and traditions that have shaped the working waters of the Pacific Northwest, from Native canoe cultures and early exploration to coastal communities that still thrive today. You’ll also get a preview of the NMHS Puget Sound & San Juan Islands Cruise in 2026, an eight-day journey that brings these themes to life through lectures and guided excursions.

Come be inspired by the Pacific Northwest’s maritime legacy and discover what makes this region such an essential part of our national story.

About the Speaker
Robert Steelquist is a Pacific Northwest author, photographer, and environmental educator with more than 40 years of experience sharing the beauty and stories of the region. With a background in journalism and natural sciences, he’s led everything from tall ship trainings and archaeological field schools to wilderness patrols and teacher workshops. He has worked with NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries, the National Park Service, and the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority. The author of thirteen books, including The Northwest Coastal Explorer, Robert lives near the edge of Olympic National Park, where he continues to write, take photos, and advocate for the natural and maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest.