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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 Board game, Pictionary: The Game of Quick Draw, 1987

Board game, Pictionary: The Game of Quick Draw, 1987

Pictionary is a drawing and charade-playing word game developed in 1984 by Rob Angel, a Seattle resident.
ID Number:1991.26.1
Date:1987
Image of Pull toy,

Pull toy, "Slinky Dog," 1960s

Seattleite Helen Herrick Malsed (1910-1998) designed this classic Slinky Dog toy. Malsed invented toys and games in her basement workshop and had her kids help as testers. This toy was one of more than 26 inventions that she created and sold to various toy companies around the country. "Slinky Dog" was manufactured by James Industries, Inc., Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
ID Number:1991.27.1
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Pull toy,

Pull toy, "Slinky Train," 1960s

This Slinky Train was designed by local resident Helen Malsed, who designed the original line of similar slinky toys including the Slinky Dog.
ID Number:1991.27.2
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Boeing analog computer, 1953

Boeing analog computer, 1953

This seven and half foot tall computer, built by the Boeing Company in 1953, has less processing capability than a simple calculator. A technological wonder of its time, the analog computer helped engineers calculate complicated problems at a much faster rate. A 1952 advertisement in Scientific American Magazine states: "Boeing engineers enjoy many advantages - among them the finest research…
ID Number:1993.16.1
Date:1953
Image of Full scale model of outboard motor without prop, ca. 1957

Full scale model of outboard motor without prop, ca. 1957

This prototype of the Boeing Model 540-4 gas-turbine outboard propulsion unit was innovative for its time due to its light weight relative to the capacity for horsepower. With few moving parts, this motor was fairly easy to build, dependable and utilized a variety of fuels. The drawbacks to this design included a higher building cost and fuel inefficiency. This particular…
ID Number:1993.16.2
Date:Circa 1957
Image of Four-way

Four-way "Superchess" board game, 1992

This game was developed by Rolf W. Jacobson, of Ballard, Washington, and manufactured by Green Island Games Co. in Seattle, Washington. Introduced to the public at the Fremont Market in the fall of 1992.
ID Number:1993.18
Date:1992
Image of Dual-Dome Streetlight anti-cycling control device, patent model, 1993

Dual-Dome Streetlight anti-cycling control device, patent model, 1993

Frederick Blake of Mill Creek, Washington, invented this "Fiber-Optic Anti-Cycling Device for Street Lamps." It is an energy-saving device that detects defects in High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights that cycle on and off throughout the night. These defects may lead to further mechanical damage and wasted energy. The Dual-Dome stops the light from attempting to cycle on and off, then…
ID Number:1996.02.1
Date:1993
Image of Pack board, made by Eddie Bauer for Mrs. Virginia Denny, ca. 1920-1960

Pack board, made by Eddie Bauer for Mrs. Virginia Denny, ca. 1920-1960

Famed outdoor enterpreneur Eddie Bauer, who established his business in Seattle in 1920, made this pack for Mrs. Virginia Denny, a member of the early settler family.
ID Number:1996.05.1
Date:Circa 1920-1960
Image of Model of the

Model of the "Well-Leg Splint," ca. 1930

Dr. Roger Anderson, a local surgeon, invented the “Well-Leg Splint” and created this model to exhibit his design. The model was shown at the “Century of Progress” exhibition held in Chicago in 1933-1934.
ID Number:1996.30
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Cast metal feed prep tray for salmon hatchery, ca. 1940

Cast metal feed prep tray for salmon hatchery, ca. 1940

This basket tray was used by the University of Washington Fisheries program. It was most likely used with the incubator (also in the MOHAI collection) designed by faculty member Lauren Donaldson in the 1940s. Donaldson was a pioneer in fish genetics and he is most remembered for his work in the study of salmon and his hatchery-raised fish. There is…
ID Number:1996.49.3
Date:Circa 1940
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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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