Stories of West Seattle and the Duwamish Peninsula
Alki was first called sbaqʷabqs. It means prairie in Lushootseed, the language of Coast Salish people. It describes how Alki looked—grassy plains and scattered stands of fir trees. Settlers who accessed federal land grants arrived in 1851 and called it “Alki” which translates to “by and by” in Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the era. These settlers envisioned a major city from this shore.
As Seattle grew, so did the Duwamish Peninsula – industry developed, waterways changed, and forests disappeared (almost). Newcomers arrived in waves and built homes, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods – each leaving an imprint on the community.
Beyond Alki shares stories from communities across the Duwamish Peninsula, incorporates new interactive experiences – visitors can listen to music from West Seattle’s past from an interactive music listening station – and highlights artifacts, including the recently acquired Rolf Neslund Memorial Shrine bust.
The exhibit was supported by generous sponsors and donors, including 4Culture, Nucor Steel, the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, the Norcliff Foundation, the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Mechanics Bank, and the West Seattle Garden Tour.
