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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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45 results for: World War II, 1941-1945 (WWII)

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Image of Hawaiian sport shirt worn by Admiral Ira E. Eskridge, 1948

Hawaiian sport shirt worn by Admiral Ira E. Eskridge, 1948

Aloha, or Hawaiian, shirts were first created in Hawaii in the 1930s. They reflect island motifs and can be worn for a variety of occasions. The shirts became particularly popular stateside after World War II, when members of the military, such as Admiral Eskridge, brought the style home. On the mainland, the look was co-opted and reproduced as something kitschy…
ID Number:1992.39.1
Date:1948
Image of Boeing Fire Department Chief badge, ca. 1940

Boeing Fire Department Chief badge, ca. 1940

Wartime production during World War II meant a massively expanded workforce for Boeing and an increased need for plant safety. This badge is from the Boeing Fire Department.
ID Number:1996.37.3
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Boeing Fire Department Deputy Sheriff badge, ca. 1940

Boeing Fire Department Deputy Sheriff badge, ca. 1940

Wartime production during World War II meant a massively expanded workforce for Boeing and an increased need for plant safety. This badge is from the Boeing Fire Department.
ID Number:1996.37.4
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Boeing Corporal  Deputy Sheriff badge, ca. 1940

Boeing Corporal Deputy Sheriff badge, ca. 1940

Wartime production during World War II meant a massively expanded workforce for Boeing and an increased need for plant safety and management.
ID Number:1996.37.5
Date:Circa 1940
Image of Gas mask with canvas carrying bag used for Civil Defense training, 1946

Gas mask with canvas carrying bag used for Civil Defense training, 1946

This mask was used locally for civil defense training. Civil defense refers to the organized non-military effort to prepare Americans for military attack. During World War II, the Civil Defense Corps, organized approximately 10 million volunteers who were trained to fight fires, decontaminate after chemical weapon attacks, provide first aid, and other duties. This helmet would have been worn by…
ID Number:1996.43.3
Date:1946
Image of Office of Price Administration (O.P.A.) ration token, 1940s

Office of Price Administration (O.P.A.) ration token, 1940s

This token was traded in for rations distributed by the Office of Price Administration. Tokens such as these were used during World War II.
ID Number:1998.51.4
Date:Circa 1940
Image of United States Navy WAVE dogtags, ca. 1944

United States Navy WAVE dogtags, ca. 1944

These dog tags belonged to Harriet Airey Ross, who was a Seattle native and 1929 graduate of the University of Washington. During World War II, she was a Lieutenant in the WAVES and retired from the United States Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
ID Number:2006.62.5
Date:Circa 1944
Image of United States Navy nameplate, 1943-1969

United States Navy nameplate, 1943-1969

Harriet Airey Ross was a Seattle native and 1929 graduate of the University of Washington. During World War II, she was a Lieutenant in the WAVES and retired from the United States Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
ID Number:2006.62.16
Date:1943-1969
Image of Instructional model of first hydraulic cyclone built in the USA, ca. 1946

Instructional model of first hydraulic cyclone built in the USA, ca. 1946

The first hydraulic cyclone was built by Max R. Greer under the direction of Dr. H.F. Yancey soon after WWII at the Northwest Experiment Station (later Seattle Coal Research Laboratory), U.S. Bureau of Mines.
ID Number:2008.6.1
Date:Circa 1946
Image of Five gold stars from the Washington War Memorial, 1951

Five gold stars from the Washington War Memorial, 1951

The Washington War Memorial was dedicated on January 7, 1951 at what used to be the Public Safety Building. These stars were mounted on the exterior of the building. The Memorial was decommissioned on January 5, 2005, when the building was demolished. The stars were symbolic of and intended to honor the Gold Star Mothers who had family members in…
ID Number:2009.11.1
Date:Circa 1951
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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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