Despite having been stored in a “morgue,” past issues of Redmond’s original hometown newspaper, the Sammamish Valley News — a precursor to the Redmond Reporter — serve as a living history of the city.

Jeanne Gustafson, editor of the Redmond Historical Society newsletter, takes a trip back through time via the pages of Redmond’s 30-year newspaper, exploring what the paper can continue to illuminate through images and stories of the town and the people who recorded it. She will speak at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 13 as part of the Redmond Historical Society Saturday Speaker Series at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, located at 16600 N.E. 80th St.

Founded in 1946 by Bob Bailie, the Sammamish Valley News was Redmond’s community newspaper until 1997. Held within its pages are unique insights into the city’s politics and people, from weekly social pages to thousands of photos of residents in their daily lives. Sometimes humorous, sometimes critically important, the information found in the “SVN” expands the understanding of the city. Even the paper’s advertisements open a window into the businesses, products, and events that shaped and reflect the city’s development.

“You learn so much about what was important to a community, and how its growth was shaped, through the lens of reporters who lived, worked and participated in the events as they happened,” says Gustafson, a longtime journalist who has combed through the pages of the paper for examples that will detail the importance of the paper as historical record. The Sammamish Valley News also served as a launch pad for journalists who have gone on to take the national stage and win Pulitzer prizes for their work.

The Saturday Speaker Series is a monthly program presented by the Redmond Historical Society on every second Saturday from September through May (no program in December).  Topics range from local, state and Pacific Northwest historical interest. There is a suggested $5 donation for non-members.

The Redmond Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives support from the City of Redmond, 4 Culture, Nintendo, the Bellevue Collection, and Happy Valley Grange as well as from other donors and members.