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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.

Download lower resolution images directly from an item page. MOHAI offers high-resolution digital reproductions of photographs and other materials from our collections for personal and professional use.

We have many more items in our collections and not everything you see online is on view at the museum. We have additional materials online at the University of Washington’s Digital Collections.

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135 results for: Government and Public Services

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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 Watercolor painting by Julius Ullman,

Watercolor painting by Julius Ullman, "Puget Sound Shacks," 1934

Julius Ullman (1863-1952) was a Seattle artist known for watercolor paintings and murals. Ullman painted for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), then for the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in 1933-1934 when he completed this work. It was installed at the US Public Health Services Hospital, or Pacific Marine Hospital, in Seattle.
ID Number:2009.40.2
Date:1934
Image of Desk used at Arthur Denny's post office, 1850-1860

Desk used at Arthur Denny's post office, 1850-1860

This desk, made locally by an unknown cabinetmaker, was used in the first Seattle post office run by Postmaster Arthur A. Denny in his cabin from 1852-1853.
ID Number:2009.59.1
Date:Circa 1850-1860
Image of Seattle Metro transit operator's jacket, ca. 1975

Seattle Metro transit operator's jacket, ca. 1975

This Metro transit operator jacket was made in Seattle by local company Sportcaster. Sportcaster specialized in making skiwear and uniforms. The donor, Anthony Longo, drove Metro buses from 1966 until 1976. He then shifted to a route facilities position where he worked on planning and implementing passenger shelters and improving access for people with disabilities.
ID Number:2010.29.1
Date:Circa 1975
Image of Seattle Metro Transit operator's sweater, ca. 1975

Seattle Metro Transit operator's sweater, ca. 1975

This cardigan-style sweater was one of several uniform item options for Metro bus drivers in the mid-1970s. The brown, orange, and yellow color scheme matched Metro’s branding at the time. The plastic buttons feature a faux woodgrain texture. The donor, Anthony Longo, drove Metro buses from 1966 until 1976. He then shifted to a route facilities position where he worked…
ID Number:2010.29.2
Date:Circa 1975
Image of Printing block featuring an image of the ferry Kalakala from Tony Ferrucci's Art Printing Co., ca. 1950

Printing block featuring an image of the ferry Kalakala from Tony Ferrucci's Art Printing Co., ca. 1950

Tony Ferrucci purchased Art Printing Co. on Fourth Avenue S in Seattle after training in graphic design at Seattle's Burnley School of Professional Art.
ID Number:2011.28.2
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Control console for Seattle Monorail, 1962

Control console for Seattle Monorail, 1962

This driving console was in use in the Seattle Monorail during the World's Fair in 1962 and remained in use into the early 21st century. A major renovation project to update the aging monorail began in 2008, replacing this console with more up to date technology. A popular tourist attraction, the Monorail whisks passengers back and forth about 12 city…
ID Number:2012.66.1
Date:1962
Image of Chair for Monorail operator, 1962

Chair for Monorail operator, 1962

This driving console was in use in the Seattle Monorail during the World's Fair in 1962 and remained in use into the early 21st century. A major renovation project to update the aging monorail began in 2008, replacing this console with more up to date technology. A popular tourist attraction, the Monorail whisks passengers back and forth about 12 city…
ID Number:2012.66.2
Date:1962
Image of Painting by Lockwood Dennis,

Painting by Lockwood Dennis, "Public Safety Building," 1977

Lockwood "Woody" Dennis (1937-2012) was born in Portland, Oregon, but lived in Port Townsend, Washington, for 37 years. He was inclined to paint both natural and industrial scenes from the Northwest, California, Colorado, Africa, and Japan, and often included images of vehicles from the 1930s and 1940s as their shapely design had inspired him as a child. In this work,…
ID Number:2013.56.2
Date:1977
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Land Acknowledgement

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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