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Seattle Municipal Archives Finding Aids

7600-00. Seattle Center

 Record Group
Identifier: 7600-00
The Seattle Center Department was created in 1965 to administer, manage and control the facilities on the site of the 1962 World’s Fair. The facilities at the Seattle Center date back to 1927 with completion of the construction of the Civic Auditorium, Civic Arena, Veterans Hall, and the Civic Playfield. The property expanded to 74 acres in 1962 to accommodate the World’s Fair. The Center’s purpose is to be an active civic center providing facilities and programs supporting the arts, education, sports and entertainment. It is home for the Seattle Opera, Pacific Northwest Ballet, three resident theaters, and the Seattle Storm professional basketball team. In addition, there are five facilities on the grounds that are not owned by the City: the Space Needle, Memorial Stadium, the Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Experience Music Project.

Found in 17 Collections and/or Records:

Buildings and Operations Records

 Series
Identifier: 7605-02
Abstract

Records relating to the Seattle Center campus before, during, and immediately after the 1962 World's Fair.

Dates: 1957-1970; Majority of material found within 1961-1965

Millennium Project Records

 Series
Identifier: 7610-04
Abstract

Records relating to planning of City-sponsored programming for the arrival of the year 2000.

Dates: 1998-2000

Seattle Center Foundation Century 21 Photograph Collection

 Series
Identifier: 7614-01
Abstract

Seattle Center Foundation photographs created by various City and non-City agencies that interacted with the Century 21 World's Fair in 1962.

Dates: Majority of material found within 1958-2004

Seattle Center Annual Reports

 Series
Identifier: 1802-I3
Scope and Contents note

From 1966 to 1974, the Seattle Center annual reports include organization charts, financial information, and attendance figures. Also included are maps of the grounds and brief facility profiles. From 1974 forward the reports are briefer, including accomplishments, repairs and improvements, and other brief highlights.

Dates: 1966-2008

Seattle Center Concessions and Amusement Rides Photograph Albums

 Series
Identifier: 7613-05
Abstract

Collection consists of two photo albums depicting images of amusement rides at Seattle Center's Fun Forest, aerial views of Seattle Center, and unidentified amusement park grounds.

Dates: 1967-1990

Seattle Center Digital Photographs

 Series
Identifier: 7613-06
Dates: 2008-2014

Seattle Center Executive Director's Records

 Series
Identifier: 7600-01
Abstract

Records relating to the administration and operations of Seattle Center.

Dates: 1962-1987

Seattle Center Assistant Director's Records

 Series
Identifier: 7600-02
Abstract

Records relating to Seattle Center programs and activities.

Dates: 1966-1981

Seattle Center Facilities Maintenance Records

 Series
Identifier: 7605-01
Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, progress reports, architectural drawings, specifications, and financial records relating to construction, maintenance, and site development of Seattle Center facilities. The bulk of the records are for the Civic Auditorium, Coliseum, and parking facilities. Most of the records date from the World's Fair and immediate post-fair development.

Dates: 1938-1971

Seattle Center Merchants Association Records

 Series — Box 1
Identifier: 7606-01
Abstract

Records related to the Seattle Center Merchants Association.

Dates: 1971-1983

Seattle Center Monthly Calendar of Events

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 7610-01
Scope and Contents note

Daily listing of events compiled in a monthly format. Includes cover page with basic information regarding hours, admission, and telephone number for facilities. Schedules include date, time, name of event, location, sponsor, and admission charge. Arranged chronologically.

Dates: 1971-1988

Seattle Center Convention Agreement Records

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 7610-02
Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, cost estimates, facility information sheets, reports, brochures, and lead sheets regarding negotiations and contracts for conventions at Seattle Center between 1974-1987. Includes conventions held and those not successfully negotiated or sold.

Dates: 1959-1990

Bumbershoot Festival Records

 Series
Identifier: 7610-03
Abstract

Administrative records from the Bumbershoot Festival.

Dates: 1973-1979

Promotion and Publicity Records

 Series
Identifier: 7613-01
Abstract

Records relating to events held at Seattle Center.

Dates: 1977-1984

Seattle Center Press Releases

 Series — Box 1
Identifier: 7613-02
Scope and Contents note

Press releases concerning programs and activities at the Seattle Center.

Dates: 1981-1984

Seattle Center Newspaper Clippings

 Series — Box 1
Identifier: 7613-03
Scope and Contents note

Newspaper clippings of events and activities at Seattle Center. Arranged chronologically.

Dates: 1981-1982

Seattle Center Publications

 Series
Identifier: 7613-04
Scope and Contents note

Includes various newsletters, general brochures about Seattle Center and some of its features, event programs and flyers, and ephemera.

Dates: 1967-2001