A Seattle Tradition for 50 Years
In 1975, newly retired professor of history, Giovanni Costigan, held the first History Lecture Series. Costigan, a very well-known part of the UW community, began the series as a way to bring history to the wider community and to spark dialogue around important topics. We are proud to continue this legacy thanks to generous support from our alumni and friends. Show your support by making a donation!
2025 History Lecture Series: River Histories
Thank you for joining us as we celebrated the 50th year of the History Lecture Series! We are grateful for all of our series attendees and the donors who help us sustain this beloved tradition. Click on the link above to watch recordings of the lectures and to access additional resources on the topics covered.
We look forward to seeing you in 2026!
2026 History Lecture Series
The 2026 History Lecture Series will run on Wednesdays throughout the month of February 2026. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's series theme and speakers!
Resources
Looking for more information on the topics presented in this series? Check out our History Lecture Series Resources page.
Past Series
Check out the Past History Lecture Series page to enjoy over a decade of our renowned HLS lectures on a wide range of themes.
Other Lectures
View other Department of History lectures such as the annual Stephanie M.A. Camp Memorial Lecture on Race and Gender, our Sports History Series, and more.