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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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472 results for: Celebrations

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Image of Launch of the USS Coronado at the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company shipyard, Seattle, July 1, 1966
Photograph

Launch of the USS Coronado at the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company shipyard, Seattle, July 1, 1966

Founded in 1889, the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was also called Puget Sound Bridge and Drydock, Associated Shipbuilders, and Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company. The company participated in most major construction sites in the Pacific Northwest, and they are responsible for many ships, including some of the Washington State ferries and many naval vessels during and after World…
ID Number:Lib1988.13.12.1j.3
Date:1966
Image of Seattle Police Department Band, 1915
Photograph

Seattle Police Department Band, 1915

Seattle’s Police Department Band started out by playing Sunday evening concerts at police headquarters. By the 1920s, they marched in city parades, played for city celebrations, played concerts in parks, and participated in funeral ceremonies for fallen comrades. This 1915 image shows the members of the Seattle Police Department Band posed on the sidewalk outside department headquarters. That year, the…
ID Number:Lib1991.21.1
Date:1915
Image of Crowds gathered in Pioneer Square celebration, Seattle, circa 1910
Photograph

Crowds gathered in Pioneer Square celebration, Seattle, circa 1910

This photograph shows Pioneer Square festively decorated and with crowds gathered about 1910. It is possible that this was a celebration in junction with the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, held in Seattle in 1909 on a site that later became the University of Washington.This photo was taken by either Clarence R. Langstaff or his brother Otto Langstaff, who were both prolific amateur…
ID Number:Lib1993.8.32
Date:Circa 1910
Image of Program for the United Nations Victory Festival, Seattle, December1945
Program

Program for the United Nations Victory Festival, Seattle, December1945

The Seventh Annual United Nations Christmas Festival, known in 1945 as the Victory Festival, was held at Seattle's Civic Auditorium, with costumed representatives from fourteen countries participating in the "Pageant of the Nations Going Home," a celebration of courage and hope after the devastations of war. United Nations representatives from twenty nations attended, and the entertainment also included performances by…
ID Number:Lib1996.28.22
Date:1945
Image of Territorial anniversary ball invitation, February 20, 1863
Ephemera

Territorial anniversary ball invitation, February 20, 1863

In 1853, the Territory of Washington was created from a portion of the Oregon Territory, and in 1863, right about the time the Territory attained its final boundaries, the residents of Seattle threw a tenth anniversary party to celebrate. Although not incorporated as a town until 1865, Seattle in 1863 was a growing community of about 300 white settlers (not…
ID Number:MS.COLL.556
Date:1863
Image of Great Seattle Fire Reunion program, Seattle, June 6, 1917
Program

Great Seattle Fire Reunion program, Seattle, June 6, 1917

On June 6, 1889, Seattle's Great Fire destroyed most of the city's business district. In 1917, a group of businessmen and officials held an anniversary party they called "The First Annual Family Get-Together Party." Calling themselves the "Associates of 89", the group's Officers and Executive Committee were a Who's Who of living fire survivors.The event included historical talks and recollections,…
ID Number:MS.COLL.678a
Date:1917
Image of Decorating  Ballard Bridge for reopening celebration, Seattle, May 1940
Photograph

Decorating Ballard Bridge for reopening celebration, Seattle, May 1940

The Ballard Bridge, also known as the 15th Avenue Bridge, is a double-leaf bascule bridge in Seattle which connects Ballard to the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods. Opened in 1917 and spanning the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the Bridge originally had wooden approaches intended to last only ten years. The bridge was closed for repairs in 1939 and the approaches…
ID Number:PI20464
Date:1940
Image of Ballard Bridge crossing Salmon Bay, Seattle, May 1940
Photograph

Ballard Bridge crossing Salmon Bay, Seattle, May 1940

The Ballard Bridge, also known as the 15th Avenue Bridge, is a double-leaf bascule bridge in Seattle which connects Ballard to the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods. Opened in 1917 and spanning the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the Bridge originally had wooden approaches intended to last only ten years. The bridge was closed for repairs in 1939 and the approaches…
ID Number:PI20465
Date:1940
Image of Chinese Lion Dance, circa 1930
Photograph

Chinese Lion Dance, circa 1930

Chinese American communities often hold a Lion Dance at the time of the lunar new year or when a new business opens. In Seattle during Chinese New Year, the lion dances through the Chinatown - International District and stops in front of businesses to wish them a prosperous year. The businesses offer the lion red envelopes of money, wrapped in…
ID Number:PI22398
Date:Circa 1930
Image of Dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, 1935
Photograph

Dancers at Bon Odori festival, Seattle, 1935

During the summer of 1932, Seattle's first Bon Odori festival was held by the Seattle Buddhist Church (Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple). Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese style of dancing performed during Obon, a Buddhist memorial service. The joyful dance celebrates selfless giving and expresses gratitude to departed family members and ancestors. Over the years, the annual event open to…
ID Number:PI22448
Date:1935
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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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Phone: 206 324 1126
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