In HistoryLink's new podcast, "Field Notes", we journey with site users 'in the field' to experience Washington state history brought to life through a curated selection of HistoryLink articles.

Climb into the history of Washington State as we talk with Art Thiel about what makes the mountains so special. We'll explore the legacy of legendary climbers like Jim Whittaker and Fred Beckey, and discover how this region became a hub for outdoor innovation, giving rise to iconic brands like REI.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Art Thiel.

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• The Northwest's Influence on the Growth of Wilderness Recreation by Peter LeSourd
• Becky, Fred (1923-2017) by Peter Blecha
• Whittaker, James W. (b. 1929) by Glenn Drosendahl

Additional HistoryLink resources for this episode:

• REI — Part 1 (1938-1970) by Rita Cipalla
• REI — Part 2 (1971-2025) by Rita Cipalla

For more from Art Thiel, visit:

• SportsPressNW.com

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page

In this episode, dive into the rich history of the Yakima Valley. We'll uncover how the Valley's landscape was shaped not just by agriculture, but by distinct waves of immigration from diverse communities, and how it has become a powerful hub of political and cultural activism.

This episode is hosted by Tony Williams and features guest Gonzalo Guzmán.

Resource Library

Curated HistoryLInk article set for this episode includes:

• Wapato - It's History and Hispanic Heritage by Gonzalo Guzmán
• Chicano Movement in Washington: Political Activism in the Puget Sound and Yakima Valley Regions, 1960s-1980s by Oscar Rosales Castaneda
• Thousands march streets of Seattle and Yakima in support of immigrants' rights on May 1, 2006 by Oscar Rosales Castaneda

For further reading, check out:

• Granger - Thumbnail History by Alan J. Stein
• Yakima County - Thumbnail History by Paula Becker
• Bracero Program: Crossing the Border to a New Life by History Day Award Winner Cameron Holt
• Radio KDNA goes on the air in the Yakima Valley in December 1979 by Oscar Rosales Castaneda

Find the full collection of HistoryLink articles written by Gonzalo Guzmán here.

For more Field Notes episodes and other HistoryLink podcasts visit the:

• HistoryLink.org Podcast Page