Features of the Archives

1) Photographs. 1870 - present.

The approximately 30,000 images include primarily black and white posed group pictures of classes, teams, and safety patrol groups. However, a significant portion represents school buildings (including a complete set of aerial shots in the 1960s), student activities (in the classroom and otherwise), and even some by renowned Northwest photographer Asahel Curtis.

Of interest to many researchers, as well, are the school pictures of famous Seattle Public Schools alumni, such as musician Jimi Hendrix, former Washington State Governor Dan Evans, and photographer Imogen Cunningham.

2) High School Annuals/Yearbooks and Newspapers. 1891 - present.

The first Seattle high school opened in 1883 and its students began publishing newspapers in 1891 and annuals in 1904. The annual collection covers the period 1904 to the present. Student newspaper collections exist for Garfield, Lincoln, Queen Anne, and Cleveland High Schools. Two of these, Lincoln and Queen Anne, are available on microfilm at the University of Washington.

3) News Clippings. 1927 - present.

The Seattle School District began clipping Seattle area (daily and weekly community) newspapers in 1927. Except for a brief period during the 1970s, the original clippings have been preserved and serve as an excellent primary source dealing exclusively with news about the Seattle School District.

4) Historical Artifacts. 1882 - present.

Among the many three-dimensional objects in the Seattle Public Schools Archives are a signed 1886 first high school (Seattle High School) commencement program, a 1970s Lincoln High School band uniform and drum head, a standard issue paddle (donated in conjunction with the abolition of corporal punishment), the 1922 two-faced original design Queen Anne High School hall clock, and a 1904 column capitol salvaged during the demolition of the first Green Lake Elementary School.