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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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257 results for: Innovation and Invention

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Image of Mark III ultrasound machine with 720 scanhead, ca. 1978

Mark III ultrasound machine with 720 scanhead, ca. 1978

The ATL Mark III Ultrasound Device represented a major breakthrough in medical imaging because it incorporated the first real time digital scan converter, which allow real-time and freeze frame display of ultrasound images on conventional video monitors. Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) was founded in 1969 by a group of engineers working on marine electronic systems. In 1974 ATL and the…
ID Number:2008.33.1
Date:Circa 1978
Image of Mark II ultrasound machine, ca. 1976

Mark II ultrasound machine, ca. 1976

The ATL Mark III Ultrasound Device represented a major breakthrough in medical imaging because it incorporated the first real time digital scan converter, which allow real-time and freeze frame display of ultrasound images on conventional video monitors. Advanced Technology Laboratories (ATL) was founded in 1969 by a group of engineers working on marine electronic systems. In 1974 ATL and the…
ID Number:2008.33.Ref
Date:Circa 1976
Image of Product model of Puyallup rolling hops sprayer, ca. 1895

Product model of Puyallup rolling hops sprayer, ca. 1895

This model was designed and built by Albert Povine, presumably for the patent application, which was granted on August 20, 1895. It was designed to fight the lice infestation of the hops crop which, at that time, was threatening what was essentially the basis of Puyallup's economy. In 1892, the hops lice infestation devestated crops throughout the Western coastline, from…
ID Number:2009.12.1
Date:Circa 1895
Image of Fiberglass kayak designed and used by Wolf Bauer, 1962

Fiberglass kayak designed and used by Wolf Bauer, 1962

Wolf Bauer logged 3,000 miles on this kayak during the time he lived on Vashon Island from 1985-2000, and this was the original kayak that started the Washington Kayak Club in 1962. The kayak's fabrication was innovative and unprecedented in its time and it was designed to be used in both river and sea kayaking. Born in 1912, Bauer came…
ID Number:2009.13.1
Date:1962
Image of Sweden ice cream machine, ca. 1962

Sweden ice cream machine, ca. 1962

Harvey Swenson founded Sweden Freezer Manufacturing in 1932 in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, after having modified a floor polishing motor to run a soft-serve ice cream machine. During World War II, he turned his freezer plant to building cold-testers for rivets and guidance systems for Liberty Ships. In 1962, having attracted the attention of University of Washington's Dr. Belding…
ID Number:2009.33.2
Date:Circa 1962
Image of Sign advertisement for Sweden 217 Shakemaker, ca. 1950s

Sign advertisement for Sweden 217 Shakemaker, ca. 1950s

Harvey Swenson founded Sweden Freezer Manufacturing in 1932 in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, after having modified a floor polishing motor to run a soft-serve ice cream machine. This advertisement is marketing his Shakemaker to ice cream shops and other food service establishments.
ID Number:2009.33.3
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Drawing of Luke May by Tom Renton, ca. 1930s

Drawing of Luke May by Tom Renton, ca. 1930s

Luke May (1892-1965) came to Seattle in 1919. He was given the nickname "America's Sherlock Holmes" because he was an early scientific detective - one of the first to provide forensic and scientific methods as part of crime investigation. In 1922, he debuted his invention, the "Revelareoscope," a giant microscope that could project images of more than one object or…
ID Number:2009.36.3
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Caricature on wood of Luke May, ca. 1950s

Caricature on wood of Luke May, ca. 1950s

Luke May (1892-1965) came to Seattle in 1919. He was given the nickname "America's Sherlock Holmes" because he was an early scientific detective - one of the first to provide forensic and scientific methods as part of crime investigation. In 1922, he debuted his invention, the "Revelareoscope", a giant microscope that could project images of more than one object or…
ID Number:2009.36.5
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Original sidewalk sign from first Starbucks shop once located at 2000 Western Avenue in Seattle, 1971

Original sidewalk sign from first Starbucks shop once located at 2000 Western Avenue in Seattle, 1971

This hand-painted sidewalk sign advertised the first Starbucks coffee shop which opened in Seattle, Washington, on March 31, 1971, by three partners: Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, and Zev Siegl. The first shop was located at 2000 Western Ave, before it was later moved to what is today considered to be the flagship store in Pike Place Market. This sign was…
ID Number:2009.47.1
Date:1971
Image of Drinking glass with images of iconic smiley face, 1970s

Drinking glass with images of iconic smiley face, 1970s

The now-ubiquitous yellow smiley icon that graces this drinking glass was, according to one story, invented by David Stern, owner of an advertising agency based in Seattle.
ID Number:2009.91.3
Date:Circa 1970
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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.
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