Historian, Author, and Photographer
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Paul Dorpat's life.
Paul was born
· Shoreline, Washington, USA
Publication Launch
In 1967, Dorpat co-founded Seattle's landmark underground newspaper, The Helix. He served as the publication's self-described benevolent sheriff during a period of intense cultural upheaval. The paper became a central pillar of the city's counterculture before concluding its three-year run.
Publication Launch
In 1967, Dorpat co-founded Seattle's landmark underground newspaper, The Helix. He served as the publication's self-described benevolent sheriff during a period of intense cultural upheaval. The paper became a central pillar of the city's counterculture before concluding its three-year run.
Festival Production
Dorpat helped produce the Sky River Rock Festival and Lighter Than Air Fair in 1968, which served as a spiritual precursor to Woodstock. That same year, he was a key figure in the famous Piano Drop event near Duvall, Washington. These events solidified his role as a primary observer and participant in the region's experimental arts scene.
Festival Production
Dorpat helped produce the Sky River Rock Festival and Lighter Than Air Fair in 1968, which served as a spiritual precursor to Woodstock. That same year, he was a key figure in the famous Piano Drop event near Duvall, Washington. These events solidified his role as a primary observer and participant in the region's experimental arts scene.
Column Debut
On January 17, 1982, Dorpat launched his Seattle Now & Then column in The Seattle Times. The column ran for 37 years and featured over 1,800 installments that paired historical photographs with contemporary re-photographs. This work allowed him to document the city's physical and social transformation for a broad public audience.
Column Debut
On January 17, 1982, Dorpat launched his Seattle Now & Then column in The Seattle Times. The column ran for 37 years and featured over 1,800 installments that paired historical photographs with contemporary re-photographs. This work allowed him to document the city's physical and social transformation for a broad public audience.
Organization Founding
Alongside Marie McCaffrey and Walt Crowley, Dorpat co-founded HistoryLink.org in 1999. The site was established as the first original encyclopedia of community history created for the internet. It remains a vital resource for Washington state history, reflecting Dorpat's belief that history should be accessible and delightful.
Organization Founding
Alongside Marie McCaffrey and Walt Crowley, Dorpat co-founded HistoryLink.org in 1999. The site was established as the first original encyclopedia of community history created for the internet. It remains a vital resource for Washington state history, reflecting Dorpat's belief that history should be accessible and delightful.
Philanthropy
In 2021, Dorpat ensured the preservation of his life's work by donating a massive archive to the Seattle Public Library. The collection included over 309,000 historical photos, negatives, and videos documenting the Pacific Northwest. This act transformed his private passion into a permanent public treasure for future generations.
Philanthropy
In 2021, Dorpat ensured the preservation of his life's work by donating a massive archive to the Seattle Public Library. The collection included over 309,000 historical photos, negatives, and videos documenting the Pacific Northwest. This act transformed his private passion into a permanent public treasure for future generations.
Paul Dorpat passed away
