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Yakima Town Hall

Give Us an Hour... We'll Bring You the World

In 1971, a visionary group of energetic, intellectually curious Yakima Valley women embarked on a mission to enrich our community by bringing nationally and internationally recognized speakers from the literary, political, artistic and business worlds to Yakima's historical Capitol Theatre. Continuing this grand legacy, the Yakima Town Hall Series is now celebrating 36 Seasons of Bringing The World To Your Doorstep!

Esteemed speakers that have graced our stage are luminaries such as -- Vincent Price, Gore Vidal, F. Lee Bailey, Ralph Nader, Gloria Steinem, Doris Kearns-Goodwin, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jean-Michel Cousteau, Frank DeFord, Garrison Keillor, Sir Salman Rushdie, P. J. O'Rourke, -- just to name a few!

All aspects of our non-profit lecture series are coordinated by a 100% Volunteer, 14 member strong Board of Directors. Each of us extend our personal invitation to you -- Try the Yakima Town Hall Series!! We know you'll find it to be an extremely affordable, educational and rewarding commitment!

Celebrity Photos

2002-2003 Season

If These Walls Could Talk...

Olivia de Havilland, Actress -- "Tonight I'm thinking with affection of my sojourn to your town. I remember with undiminished appreciation your fine group and the enchanting Capitol Theatre."

Henry Winkler, Actor, Producer, Activist -- "...my best to everyone in Yakima. I had the greatest time. Warm regards."

Bruce Feiler, Author, "Abraham" -- "I loved being in Yakima with your wonderful team of colleagues, and felt the warmest reception. Yakima has become one of my highlights of being on the road off and on for the last few years. I would be thrilled to join you again some time in the future. Please extend my warmest appreciation to the entire team for everyone's hard work."

Madame Jehan Sadat, Egypt's First Lady -- "Thank you to your wonderful Town Hall. We felt like we were with our own family...warm, welcome, truly delightful. If anyone had told me when I was a little girl in Egypt that I would be speaking to an audience in Yakima, Washington about peace I would never have believed it. Yet I'm so glad to have had the opportunity."

Ronan Tynon, Ireland's Inspirational & Gifted Tenor -- "My dear friend Henry Winkler was right....Yakima Town Hall's hospitality knows no bounds. You are warm, generous, yet seriously professional women and I can see why all your speaker guests request return invitations. And who knew they could cook colcannon in this part of the world. That was the most fantastic dinner and lovely reception. I'm heading west next year and will try to make a detour to Yakima. I'm sure you can guarantee me a full house."

Burt Rutan, Aviation/Spaceship Innovator/Smithsonian Honoree -- "This was just a sensational event for me. I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. I look forward to you all joining me soon on SpaceShip Two as we venture to suborbital space... and then beyond."

Louise Leakey, Leakey Family Dynasty Pioneer/Paleoanthropologist -- "I very much enjoyed the lively Yakima Town Hall group which made sharing my experiences a great pleasure. Many thanks for the invitation and I will try to keep in touch from time to time with developments from Kenya."

P.J. O'Rourke, Journalist, Correspondent, Political Satirist -- "What a wonderful experience. I would like to steal the Town Hall Board as this is one of the most professional and functional groups I've ever interacted with. I have several other Board associations and they could learn a thing or two from you."

Susan Stamberg, Renowned NPR Broadcaster -- "I loved venturing out to the "real Washington". Your Capitol Theatre is stunning. Your Town Hall group is very professional and warm. Your audience top notch. I felt so comfortable in Yakima it was like spending an evening with old friends."

Jacques Pepin, World Premier Chef, Author, and Culinary Teacher -- "Dinner, lecture, wonderful wines...tres bon! Now you must all look me up in New York City during your travels. I've left you my secret list of treasured restaurants. Adieu."