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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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584 results for: Asian American

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Image of Exterior of East Kong Yick Building, Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Exterior of East Kong Yick Building, Seattle, circa 1920

Starting in 1907, Asian immigrants began moving their businesses into the area around Seattle's King Street. Ethnic enclaves helped reinforce cultural and kinship ties, and provided a sense of security from an often hostile white majority. The Chinese didn't have much choice; restrictive covenants by real estate agents and homeowners prevented Chinese and other Asians from living elsewhere. The neighborhood…
ID Number:1983.10.1774.1
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Chinese section of downtown Seattle, circa 1920
Photograph

Chinese section of downtown Seattle, circa 1920

Starting in 1907, Chinese and Japanese businesses began moving to the area around King Street. By the 1920s, most of Seattle's Chinese residents lived and worked there. The population was largely male, because very restrictive laws kept most Chinese wives from immigrating to the United States to join their husbands. Many of the men lived in rooms in the Hotel…
ID Number:1983.10.1774.2
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Immigration staff member with Japanese baby, circa 1920
Photograph

Immigration staff member with Japanese baby, circa 1920

For many years, the United States laws tightly restricted Asian immigration. In the 1920s, Chinese and Japanese wives of Chinese and Japanese citizens of the United States couldn't immigrate to this country, but children could enter if their fathers were legal residents. This meant problems for mothers and children traveling together. The mother might be turned away, but the child…
ID Number:1983.10.1969
Date:Circa 1920
Image of Japanese farmers' food donations to the poor, circa 1922
Photograph

Japanese farmers' food donations to the poor, circa 1922

Japanese farmers had sold fruits and vegetables at the Pike Place Market since its opening in 1907. By the early 1920s, the area had become very crowded. Some Seattle businessmen proposed moving the farmers' market away from downtown. Maybe that's why the farmers in this photo are showing their community spirit by donating vegetables to needy local families and publicly…
ID Number:1983.10.2125
Date:Circa 1922
Image of Chinese dance group with decorated car on King Street, May 1921
Photograph

Chinese dance group with decorated car on King Street, May 1921

On May 23 through 28, 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund, which was raising money for the those impacted by famine in northern China. The event was called Go-Hing and was sponsored by the China Club, Chinese consul Goon Dip, and an advisory committee of Seattle and Washington state civic…
ID Number:1983.10.2187.2
Date:1921
Image of Chinese arch at the Go-Hing carnival, May 1921
Photograph

Chinese arch at the Go-Hing carnival, May 1921

On May 23 through 28, 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund, which was raising money for the those impacted by famine in northern China. The event was called Go-Hing and was sponsored by the China Club, Chinese consul Goon Dip, and an advisory committee of Seattle and Washington state civic…
ID Number:1983.10.2188
Date:1921
Image of Chinese girls working on famine relief fund, May 1921
Photograph

Chinese girls working on famine relief fund, May 1921

On May 23 through 28, 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund, which was raising money for the those impacted by famine in northern China. The event was called Go-Hing and was sponsored by the China Club, Chinese consul Goon Dip, and an advisory committee of Seattle and Washington state civic…
ID Number:1983.10.2189
Date:1921
Image of Chinese group, University of Washington, May 1921
Photograph

Chinese group, University of Washington, May 1921

On May 23 through 28, 1921, Seattle's Chinese residents held a week-long carnival to raise money for the Chinese Famine Fund, which was raising money for the those impacted by famine in northern China. The event was called Go-Hing and was sponsored by the China Club, Chinese consul Goon Dip, and an advisory committee of Seattle and Washington state civic…
ID Number:1983.10.2190
Date:1921
Image of School children leaving Main Street School, December 11, 1921
Photograph

School children leaving Main Street School, December 11, 1921

The Main Street School opened in 1873, at Sixth Avenue South and Main Street. By the 1920s, the old wooden building was no longer adequate. On a rainy day in December 1921, the students and teachers left their old school building and walked to the new, brick Bailey Gatzert School on 12th Avenue South and Weller Street.In this photo, Main…
ID Number:1983.10.2408.1
Date:1921
Image of Chinese trade commission, 1906
Photograph

Chinese trade commission, 1906

American trade with China and other Asian nations was increasing in the early 1900s. Seattle businessmen were particularly interested in having Chinese products enter the United States through Seattle.A group from China visited the city in 1905 to discuss trade and other matters. In this photo, they pose for their picture on the deck of their ship. Some of the…
ID Number:1983.10.7340.2
Date:1906
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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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