Who we are

Brief History
More organized Estonian activity started in Washington state during 1949 -1951 when Estonians arrived from Germany. They settled in Seattle, Tacoma and Rowe Farm near Olympia.
The newcomers also sought contact with old Estonians who had moved to Washington state before the Estonian Republic was first formed. Unfortunately political views of the two groups were different and they never established good interaction, except with a few families.  Some older Estonians organized big Estonian gatherings in their households, for instance, one of the biggest gatherings was held at V. Konsa farm in southern Washington.
With the arrival of new Estonians Tacoma became an important center for gathering where local Estonians organized national holiday celebrations and held church services.
In 1952 when part of Estonians from Tacoma and those who worked at Rowe Farm moved to live in Seattle and the other part moved to Portland, Seattle became an active center for gatherings. First only church services were held on a regular basis but soon a group of people with Johannes Hannibal and Helga Mihkelson in lead were designated to form a charter for Seattle Estonian Society. In 1953 October 11th Seattle Estonian Society was formed and directorial board was elected.
The purpose and idea of the Seattle Estonian Society is to carry Estonian culture and language, to organize social events to celebrate national holidays and Estonian culture. Also to support the development of Estonian language, culture and science.
The number of registered members of Seattle Estonian Society has varied over the years from 50 to about 100. Usually bigger number of people is participating in organized gatherings - there have been events with over 150 people. Today SES has about 100 registered members.