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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 Librarian action figure inspired by Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl, from the Seattle retail store Archie McPhee's, 2003

Librarian action figure inspired by Seattle librarian, Nancy Pearl, from the Seattle retail store Archie McPhee's, 2003

This action figure is based on Seattle librarian, best-selling author, and literary critic Nancy Pearl. The figure was sold in the Seattle chain of novelty stores, Archie McPhee, and features Pearl with a stack of books and a finger to her lips. She has been quoted as saying that the "push to shush" aspect of the action figure determines "which…
ID Number:2013.64.1
Date:2003
Image of Pen and ink drawing,

Pen and ink drawing, "Lake Washington Ship Canal near N Canal Street and 1st Avenue NW," Seattle, Washington, by Victor Steinbrueck, ca. 1970s

Victor Steinbrueck (1911-1985) was a local architect and served on the faculty at the University of Washington. He was active in preserving Seattle's Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, and a strong proponent of the city's social services, low-income housing, and the local parks. Steinbrueck's love and admiration for this city and its unique aspects can be seen in this…
ID Number:2013.91.2
Date:Circa 1970
Image of Color print drawing of the steam ferryboat San Mateo by local artist Herbert Carlson, 1977

Color print drawing of the steam ferryboat San Mateo by local artist Herbert Carlson, 1977

The steam ferry San Mateo plied the waters of Puget Sound from 1947 to 1969. MOHAI also has a life ring from the San Mateo. Herbert Carlson was a local artist and member of the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Painters.
ID Number:2015.9.2
Date:1977
Image of Porthole-shaped window from the Seattle ferry, Kalakala, ca. 1935

Porthole-shaped window from the Seattle ferry, Kalakala, ca. 1935

The stream-lined, Art Deco designed state ferry Kalakala was an iconic fixture for Seattle. It plied the local waters from 1930s to 1960s. After many failed attempts to restore the ferry, it was demolished in 2015.
ID Number:2015.28.1
Date:Circa 1935
Image of Porthole-shaped window from the Seattle ferry, Kalakala, ca. 1935

Porthole-shaped window from the Seattle ferry, Kalakala, ca. 1935

The stream-lined, Art Deco designed state ferry Kalakala was an iconic fixture for Seattle. It plied the local waters from 1930s to 1960s. After many failed attempts to restore the ferry, it was demolished in 2015.
ID Number:2015.28.2
Date:Circa 1935
Image of Cutter bit or tooth from the cutter head of the Seattle Tunnel Boring Machine, ca. 2012

Cutter bit or tooth from the cutter head of the Seattle Tunnel Boring Machine, ca. 2012

The Seattle Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), nicknamed "Bertha" after the city's first female mayor Bertha Knight Landes, was the largest TBM ever built at the time in 2012. For over 4 years, Bertha dug a nearly 2-mile long tunnel along the city's waterfront, completing it's underground journey in 2019. Bertha's cutter head consisted of eight 24-foot long spokes, and along…
ID Number:2017.42.3.1
Date:Circa 2012
Image of Button pin,

Button pin, "Yes Sound Transit," ca. 1990s

Sound Transit, established in 1993, is a regional public transit authority that serves the Seattle metropolitan area with extensive bus service, light rail service to Tacoma, and regional commuter rail.
ID Number:2019.40.12
Date:Circa 1990-2000
Image of Button pin,

Button pin, "Ride On! Public Transportation. Washington State Transportation Conference," ca. 1990s

This button promoted one of the annual Washington State Transportation Conferences for public transportation. Sound Transit, established in 1993, is a regional public transit authority that serves the Seattle metropolitan area with extensive bus service, light rail service to Tacoma, and regional commuter rail.
ID Number:2019.40.13
Date:Circa 1990-2000
Image of Button pin,

Button pin, "Metro Ryerson Base: The Present and Beyond," ca. 1990s

King County Metro, established in 1973, is the public transit authority for Seattle and King County, Washington. Ryerson Base is one of seven Metro bases located in the region.
ID Number:2019.40.14
Date:Circa 1990-2000
Image of Button pin,

Button pin, "I (heart) Transit," ca. 1990s

This button promotes the public transit systems in the Puget Sound region including King County Metro, established in 1973, and Sound Transit, established in 1993.
ID Number:2019.40.15
Date:Circa 1990-2000
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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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