What's New

  • We have a new blog! Follow Primary Sources to get a peek behind the scenes at SMA and learn about new resources and discoveries.
  • Listen to new Seattle Voices exhibits about a proposed assault weapons ban, cable television, historic preservation at Fort Lawton, and unequal prosecution of prostitution laws.
  • A new online exhibit highlights the history and impact of the federal Weed and Seed program in Seattle.
  • Our new Digital Document Library highlights how the history of homelessness in Seattle can be traced through city records.
  • Watch short videos highlighting some of our favorite items from the SMA collections.
  • The Summer 2025 issue of the Archives Gazette is now available, with news about SMA programs and projects, highlights from the collection, and more.
  • Check out our e-learning courses to learn more about SMA and how to search and access our collections.
  • Our latest Find of the Month features letters from Seattle's fire chief to his WWI soldier son.

Municipal Archives

Sarah Shipley, Interim 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.