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Seattle Public Schools Archives

Chronicling the history of the Seattle Public Schools, Protecting What Matters

Steel Index card cabinet in black and white

The mission of the archives is to provide a repository of primary resources about Seattle schooling, schools and student voices.  Because the district is governed in part by local politics, the record of their discussions and activities is engaging history.  The district archives serves researchers, current students and the public in the development of educational and community history and practices.

Our collection consists of published printed materials, manuscripts and ephemera along with administrative records, photos, and artifacts such as scrapbooks, trophies, art, banners, signs, uniforms, newspapers.

Watch a short video about the archives to learn more: Documenting Student Learning, Protecting Student Privacy

Latest Edition of the Building for Learning Book

Available Now!
Available Now!

The 2022 Version of Building for Learning is available for purchase. Created in partnership with Capital Projects & Planning & HistoryLink.org

Contact Records and Archives:

Building for Learning chapters & additional information

Online Resources

Fees

  • Photocopies: $0.15 per page
  • Scanning: $5.00 per image – if scanned image exists, free
  • Research Services provided for patrons: $30.00 per hour, pre-paid
  • Audio copies (includes tape): $5.00
  • Artifact Loan Preparation: $30.00 (for non- alumni groups)

Research Fees

The Archives charges a fee for research services prorated on salary benefit and overhead costs with a half-hour minimum. (WAC 434-690-080, Section 4). Research services are defined as the collection, assembly or extraction of data or information from existing records, or the analysis of information to provide a report. The standard fee for research services is $30.00 per hour. Research services may be limited to one hour, depending on the staffing level and current workload of the Archives. In such cases, patrons will be referred to an independent researcher for assistance.

Donations

Help us preserve school history and student voices. If you have memorabilia that you would like to donate, please submit a Donation Form. Our address is:

Seattle Public Schools Archives,
2445 3rd Ave South,
P.O. Box 34165,
Seattle WA 98124-1165

Archives Month 2023 Film Screening

Celebrate Archives Month 2023 with a viewing of vintage clips from digitized film and VHS.

Some of the clips show 1928 Lake City School, 1932 Class of Lincoln, 1951 University Heights dance festival, 1965 Louisa Boren Junior High, 1984 Franklin High, 1984 American Indian Heritage High, 1997 Cleveland High, 1998 Superintendent John Stanford, 2000 Superintendent Joseph Olchefske.

Other Local Archives/Resources