Cold Millions: The History of Spokane's Free Speech Fight

Featuring EWU History Students & Author Jess Walter

EWU students discuss their research and curatorial work for an exhibit inspired by the bestselling novel 'The Cold Millions.' Author Jess Walter will also take part in the discussion.

This event kicks off a months-long exhibit (all of February through March) on the 3rd Floor of the Central Library featuring research related to Jess Walter's bestselling novel The Cold Millions. Students from Eastern Washington University's History Department will discuss researching the novel's historical roots (such as the Free Speech Fight of 1909-1910) and their curation of the exhibit. Jess Walter will also be present for the discussion.

The exhibit explores the myths and realities of Spokane at the turn of the last century, a time when millionaires lived in elaborate mansions, workers scrambled to survive, and a fearless band of union organizers fought for justice. 

Of the exhibit, author Jess Walter says, "Given what’s happening across the country, it's an especially apt time to look back at the Spokane Free Speech Fight (sometimes described as the first 'successful' nonviolent protest in American history, although that’s up for debate) and a fascinating time to think about the role and efficacy of protest, and the lengths the powerful will go to subvert it."

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For all event information inquiries, email telref@spokanelibrary.org or call 509-444-5300.

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