Additional History Resources

The collections of the Seattle Municipal Archives focus primarily on Seattle city government. If you are doing research on topics outside of this general scope, you may find some of these other resources useful.


Seattle Public Library
Index to local newspapers, genealogical information, city directories, and other local history resources.

University of Washington Special Collections
Large manuscript collection, including many personal papers, as well as a strong photograph collection and the archives of the university.

Washington State Archives - Puget Sound Region
The best place to go for photos of a house; also local and state government records.

King County Archives
Historical records of King County government.

Frequently Requested Records
Directs users toward the appropriate place to enquire for various types of property records, court records, personal records, and more. Maintained by the King County Archives.

City of Seattle Public Records
Provides links for obtaining non-archival City records such as permits, licenses, complaints, and more.

Researching the History of Seattle Buildings
Detailed guide created by the Seattle Public Library that includes links to online resources, a directory of local agencies, worksheets and checklists.

Seattle City Directories
Searchable digitized city directories from 1867 to 1928.

HistoryLink
Online encyclopedia covering a wide range of Washington State historical topics.

Archives West
Database containing finding aids from 50 archives in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project
Website with articles, oral histories, slide shows, and other resources about segregation and civil rights in Seattle.

BlackPast.org
Online resource for African American history, including articles, research guides, and full text of important documents and speeches.

Seattle Public Utilities Engineering Vault
Engineering records such as maps, plans, surveys, and aerial photographs.

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections Microfilm Library
Plans and permits for building construction in Seattle from the 1890s to the present. For residential buildings, DCI only holds plans from 1974 forward.

Data.Seattle.Gov
Datasets from city departments, including information on crime statistics, parks, neighborhood features, and other information.

City of Seattle News Releases
Searchable press releases from various City departments, dating back to 1998.

National Archives and Records Administration, Pacific Alaska Region
Genealogical resources such as census and immigration records, as well as federal government records relating to the Northwest.

Museum of History & Industry
Large photograph collection, including the photo archives of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Seattle Public Schools Archives
Photographs, yearbooks, school newspapers, and other materials relating to Seattle's public schools.

King County Genealogy
Links to sources of vital records, census records, message boards, and more.

Tacoma Public Library Northwest Room
Local history resources including photographs, genealogical information, and full-text contemporary newspaper descriptions of local disasters.

King County Snapshots
Searchable website of over 12,000 photos from 13 area museums and archives.

University of Washington Map Library
Large collection of maps and aerial photographs.

1912 Baist Map of Seattle
Scanned version of this early map; users can zoom in for a detailed views.

Archdiocese of Seattle Archives
Records of the Catholic Church in the Pacific Northwest.

Guide to WPA Records in the Pacific Northwest
Lists WPA records from a variety of area repositories.

National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC)
Library of Congress catalog of archival materials held by repositories throughout the country.

Municipal Archives, City Clerk

Anne Frantilla, City Archivist
Address: 600 Fourth Avenue, Third Floor, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94728, Seattle, WA, 98124-4728
Phone: (206) 684-8353
archives@seattle.gov

The Office of the City Clerk maintains the City's official records, provides support for the City Council, and manages the City's historical records through the Seattle Municipal Archives. The Clerk's Office provides information services to the public and to City staff.