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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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587 results for: Asian American

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Image of Ichiban restaurant at 6th Ave. S. and S. Main St. , Seattle, 2008
Photograph

Ichiban restaurant at 6th Ave. S. and S. Main St. , Seattle, 2008

Koji and Mayumi Ogawa opened Ichiban restaurant at 601 Main Street, in the Panama Hotel building, around 1983. The small restaurant served homestyle Japanese food to its customers in the Nihonmachi or Japantown area in Seattle’s Chinatown - International District for 27 years. In early May 2010, the Ogawas posted a “Farewell letter to our loyal customers and friends” announcing…
ID Number:2014.43.2.2.MISC178
Date:2008
Image of Taiko drummers performing at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, July 2015
Photograph

Taiko drummers performing at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, July 2015

During the summer of 1932, the Seattle Buddhist Church held the city's first Bon Odori festival. Bon Odori is a Japanese dance which is part of the observance of Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance, which celebrates the Buddhist tradition of selfless giving, expresses gratitude to departed family members. Over the years, the festival grew to include flower…
ID Number:2014.43.2.4.MUSIC433
Date:2015
Image of Protesters at the groundbreaking for Seattle's Kingdome, November 2, 1972
Photograph

Protesters at the groundbreaking for Seattle's Kingdome, November 2, 1972

A deputy of the King County Department of Public Safety attempts to confront demonstrators who are protesting the construction of the Kingdome stadium at the western edge of the Chinatown - International District, Seattle's longtime Asian American neighborhood. A lawsuit to stop the stadium had failed, and activists were concerned that its construction and need for more parking would overwhelm…
ID Number:2014.49.Box22.Folder23.001
Date:1972
Image of Protestors at a meeting about Kingdome construction, circa 1972
Photograph

Protestors at a meeting about Kingdome construction, circa 1972

Here, a KOMO television news cameraman films a protest meeting at an unidentified office. Asian activists and others fill the room, signs read: "Preserve the International District" and "... a Parking Lot" and "Chinatown. It's not Only A Place to Eat. People Live There Too." This meeting is probably part of the 1972 protest against construction of the Kingdome stadium…
ID Number:2014.49.Box22.Folder23.002
Date:Circa 1972
Image of Kohga Photographic Society  members at giant cedar stump, Snohomish County, circa 1950
Photograph

Kohga Photographic Society members at giant cedar stump, Snohomish County, circa 1950

Seattle photographer Al Smith began taking photographs as a hobby as a teenager and continued documenting his experiences, both abroad and at home, throughout his life. Best known for his photos of Seattle's Jackson Street area jazz clubs and musicians, Smith also photographed family, friends, and local people in their everyday lives.After World War II, Al Smith was invited to…
ID Number:2014.49.005.066.0710
Date:Circa 1950
Image of Portrait of Japanese American family, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Portrait of Japanese American family, Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified Japanese American family poses together in Seattle. The man in the photo had worked as a temporary postal worker.
ID Number:2014.49.006.011.0032
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Four Asian sailors posing in uniform, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Four Asian sailors posing in uniform, Seattle, circa 1953

Four unidentified Asian sailors, in uniform and carrying cameras, are standing outside, leaning against a cyclone fence.
ID Number:2014.49.006.025.0069
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Chinese dancers performing in a parade, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Chinese dancers performing in a parade, Seattle, circa 1953

In this image unidentified Chinese dancers perform with a dragon costume in a street parade, likely for Chinese New Year. The location appears to be Jackson Street in Seattle's Chinatown - International District. A crowd watches from the sidewalk in front of a record store and an optometrist's office.
ID Number:2014.49.010.046.0092
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Chinese dancers performing on stage, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Chinese dancers performing on stage, Seattle, circa 1953

In this image unidentified Chinese dancers perform with a dragon costume on a stage, likely for Chinese New Year.
ID Number:2014.49.010.046.0188
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Women riding in East Madison Seafair parade, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Women riding in East Madison Seafair parade, Seattle, circa 1953

Four unidentified young women of Japanese descent wear traditional kimonos as they ride in a parade car passing the Seattle Japanese Methodist Church at 1236 S. Washington Street. The banner on the car reads "Japanese Community Queen."
ID Number:2014.49.010.053.0107
Date:Circa 1953
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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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