West Seattleites and history enthusiasts are coming together to preserve a vital piece of medical and social history through a new storytelling initiative titled “Sharing Polio Stories and Memories.” On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 p.m., Brookdale West Seattle Senior Living will host an event aimed at capturing the first-hand recollections of seniors who lived through the polio epidemics of the mid-20th century.
The project focuses on the period between 1948 and 1955, an era defined by profound community fear and drastic public health measures. Before the widespread availability of a vaccine, the threat of polio forced families into isolation; many avoided crowds, taped their windows and doorways, and restricted their children from playing with new friends to avoid exposure. Many residents at Brookdale, located at 4611 35th Ave SW, remember this era before the vaccine and have personal stories regarding friends or family members who succumbed to the disease.
Organizers from the Rotary Club of West Seattle, in partnership with Brookdale’s Facilities Manager, Kevin J., are currently seeking volunteers to help facilitate this afternoon of reflection. Volunteers will play a crucial role in documenting history by performing the following tasks:
• Welcoming and escorting residents to the community room.
• Assisting with video recording and note-taking to preserve the accounts.
• Guiding conversations using provided question prompts.
• Offering supportive listening as residents share deeply meaningful and powerful memories.
The initiative aims to build a heartfelt archive of personal accounts that demonstrate the reality of living with polio before vaccines were available. These stories will not only honor the global campaign to end polio but may also serve as inspiration for an upcoming community play titled “A Candle Against the Dark”.
How to Get Involved Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the project are encouraged to contact the Rotary Project Lead:
• Contact: Christine Peak
Capturing these stories is like archiving a living library; by recording these memories now, the community ensures that the lessons of the past remain a permanent resource for future generations to understand the resilience required during a public health crisis.
