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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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135 results for: Government and Public Services

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Image of Banner, “World Trade Organization / November 30 – December 3,” 1999

Banner, “World Trade Organization / November 30 – December 3,” 1999

The Third Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was held in Seattle from November 30 to December 3, 1999. This banner hung outside of the Convention Center to welcome delegates to the conference. Trade ministers and other officials from the WTO's 135 member nations met in an unsuccessful attempt to plan negotiations to further deregulate free trade. Tens…
ID Number:2001.24.1
Date:1999
Image of Fire hydrant wrench, ca. 1980

Fire hydrant wrench, ca. 1980

This plastic folding wrench was used by Captain Raul Angulo of the Seattle Fire Department to open hydrants on the street. It was made by local company, Alden Equipment Co. in Seattle.
ID Number:2002.24.1
Date:Circa 1980
Image of Plastron or shirtfront from Seattle Fire Department, ca. 1900

Plastron or shirtfront from Seattle Fire Department, ca. 1900

This dark blue plastron from the early days of the Seattle Fire Department. It has buttonholes at the top and around the sides for attaching to a shirt or jacket and identifying the wearer as a member of the fire department.
ID Number:2004.2.1
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Horse bridle, worn by

Horse bridle, worn by "Casey" the horse for the Seattle Water Department, ca. 1890-1900

The city's first municipal Water Department was established in 1890. "Casey" pulled the wagon for the Seattle Water Department around 1900.
ID Number:2005.59.2
Date:Circa 1890-1900
Image of Seattle Water Department turbidimeter, ca. 1930

Seattle Water Department turbidimeter, ca. 1930

This turbidimeter, donated by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), is a variable depth instrument for visually determining the cloudiness of a liquid caused by the presence of finely divided suspended matter. The origins of Seattle's public utility infrastructure date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when efforts were made to secure clean drkinking water and establish public control…
ID Number:2005.59.3
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Seattle Water Department Worthington-Gamon water meter, ca. 1940

Seattle Water Department Worthington-Gamon water meter, ca. 1940

This water meter, donated by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), measures the volume of water flowing from a public utility to a property. The origins of Seattle's public utility infrastructure date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when efforts were made to secure clean drkinking water and establish public control over essential services. In 1895, Seattle residents voted…
ID Number:2005.59.4
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Seattle Water Department Empire water meter, ca. 1897-1910

Seattle Water Department Empire water meter, ca. 1897-1910

This water meter, donated by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), measures the volume of water flowing from a public utility to a property. The origins of Seattle's public utility infrastructure date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when efforts were made to secure clean drkinking water and establish public control over essential services. In 1895, Seattle residents voted…
ID Number:2005.59.5
Date:1897-1910
Image of Gold Pass for John G. Diefenbacker to Century 21, Seattle World's Fair, 1962

Gold Pass for John G. Diefenbacker to Century 21, Seattle World's Fair, 1962

John G. Diefenbaker (last name spelled incorrectly on the pass) was Canada's Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963. He was given honorary unlimited admission to the Seattle World's Fair.
ID Number:2007.1.184
Date:1962
Image of Original artists' model for Fremont Troll sculpture made in June 1990

Original artists' model for Fremont Troll sculpture made in June 1990

In 1990, the Fremont Arts Council held a contest to find a sculpture for the empty space under the Aurora Bridge. The Troll concept was not selected as a semifinalist, but the artists were still allowed to submit it into the competition if they paid the costs of constructing a model. Four models (three semifinalists and the Troll) were voted…
ID Number:2007.16.1
Date:1990
Image of National Recovery Administration (NRA) stud, 1934

National Recovery Administration (NRA) stud, 1934

The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was a key part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal plan to alleviate the impact of the Great Depression. It was initiated in 1933 as a voluntary membership organization. The goal was to bring together industry, labor, and government to develop standards for prices, wages, and hours. Businesses that supported the NRA policies put the blue…
ID Number:2008.3.18.75
Date:1934
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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