www.redmondwashington.org

This page has more details for researchers living in the Redmond/Seattle areas researching histories and families that aren't tied to King County. The WA Bibliography page is oriented toward researching King County histories and families.  

My Short list

• National Archives and Records Center – 6125 Sand Point Way, Seattle, WA. (206) 526-6507.

• Bellevue FHC – 10675 N.E. 20th, Bellevue, WA. (425) 454-2690 - Extensive Irish Resources courtesy of EGS.

• Fiske Library, 1644 - 43rd Ave. E. (Madison Park), Seattle, WA 98122-3222 206 328-2716,   associated with Pioneer Association of Washington, (206) 325-0888, 1642 43rd E, Seattle, WA 

• Seattle Public Library  http://www.spl.org/central/moveprepdates.html
  Central Branch, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4629. Has Seattle Times and Post Intelligencer newspapers on microfilm.

• University of Washington Libraries

• Seattle Municipal Archives http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/seattle/leg/clerk/archhome.htm 

  Records maintained by the Archives are open to the public for research. Appointments are recommended for anyone wishing to conduct research at the Archives. The Archives is open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

  Scott Cline, Archivist, scott.cline@ci.seattle.wa.us
  Seattle Municipal Archives
  600 Fourth Avenue, Room 104
  Seattle, WA 98104
  Telephone: (206) 684-8353
  Fax: (206) 386-9025
  

The archives, libraries, and societies listed below offer services or have major collections of genealogical and historical records relating to Washington.

- Washington State Archives P.O. Box 9000 12th and Washington Olympia, WA 98504-9000

- Washington State Genealogical Society P.O. Box 1422 Olympia, WA 98507

- Washington State Historical Society Library 315 North Stadium Way Tacoma, WA 98403

- Washington State Library Capitol Campus AJ-11 Olympia, WA 98504-0111

A helpful catalog for this library is University of Washington (Seattle) Library, The Dictionary Catalog of the Pacific Northwest Collection of the University of Washington Libraries Seattle..., 6 vols. (Boston: G.K. Hall and Co., 1972; FHL book Q 970 A3w).

Two important guides to Washington records are:

Genealogical Resources in Washington State: A Guide to Genealogical
Records Held at Repositories, Government Agencies, and Archives.
Olympia, Wash.: Secretary of State, Division of Archives and Records
Management, 1983. (FHL book 979.7 A3g.)

Historical Records of Washington State: Records and Papers Held at
Repositories. Olympia, Wash.: Washington State Historical Records
Advisory Board, 1971. (FHL book 979.7 A3hi; fiche 6051177.)

To learn more about the history and record-keeping systems of Washington counties use the 15 inventories of the county archives produced by the Historical Records survey around 1940. Copies of these inventories are at the Family History Library.

Genealogy and Historical Libraries and Groups in the Seattle Area: 

• National Archives and Records Center – 6125 Sand Point Way, Seattle, WA. (206) 526-6507. Open 8-4 Tues until 8 pm - federal census records, federal records for Washington, Oregon & Idaho, Native American records, military records, naturalization records from this area, ship passenger lists, and much more. 
• Libraries - Eastside & Seattle - for researching all areas
  • King County Library System
  • Seattle University Library - strong on Catholic & Irish information
  • Fiske Genealogical Foundation Library, 1644 - 43rd Ave. E. (Madison Park), Seattle, WA 98122-3222 206 328-2716, Mon 10-3, Wed 12 -8, Thurs 3-8, Sat 9-3  associated with Pioneer Association of Washington, (206) 325-0888, 1642 43rd E, Seattle, WA - strong on New England ancestry
  • Seattle Genealogical Society Library 85ll 15 Ave NE Seattle WA 98115, Mailing address: P.O.Box 75388, Seattle WA 98125-0388  (206) 522-8658, Open Mondays 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Irish Interest Group of SGS meets 3rd Sat of each month - SGS  $4 day use, $20 annual.
  • Seattle Public Library  http://www.spl.org/central/moveprepdates.html
    Central Branch, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4629. Large collection county histories, public records, family histories and how-to materials. Genealogy desk staffed 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Library hours, Mondays-Thursdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. Also has Seattle Times and Post Intelligencer newspapers on microfilm.
  • University of Washington Libraries Open Mondays-Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.-midnight, Fridays 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays noon to midnight.
  • LDS Family History Centers - Films are available on a rental basis, to be used at the local FHC. There is a small charge for the rental from the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT. 
    • Auburn FHC – 625 M St. N.E., Auburn, WA. (253) 735-2009.
    • Bellevue FHC – 10675 N.E. 20th, Bellevue, WA. (425) 454-2690 - Hours 10 - 9 Tuesdays - Friday, 9 - 5 on Saturday
    • Federal Way FHC – 34815 Weyerhouser Way S., Federal Way, WA. (253) 874-3803.
    • Redmond FHC – 10115 172nd Ave. N.E., Redmond, WA. (425) 881-7488.
    • Seattle (Burien) FHC – 14020 Ambaum Blvd. S.W., Burien, WA. (206) 522-1233.
    •  
      • South King County Genealogical Society Library
      • Bellevue LDS Library with extensive Irish resources

       

Libraries/Archives for Washington Ancestors:

	Washington State Links
	Burien Library's Northwest Collection The largest concentration of Northwest history materials in the King County Library System. Books, periodicals, clipping files, maps, microform and audio/video materials are shelved in open stacks--you are free to browse!
	WASHINGTON STATE ARCHIVES-PUGET SOUND BRANCH* Location: Bellevue Pritchard-Fleming Building, Bellevue Community College, Building N 3000 Landerholm Circle, MS N100, Bellevue WA 98007-6484 Phone: 425 564-3940 Fax: 425 564-3945   e-mail: archives@bcc.ctc.edu  Hours: by appointment, Monday-Friday 9:00 - 4:30  Information about King County Property Records Information about Genealogical sources (King, Kitsap, & Pierce) Local government records include those from county offices such as the Auditor, the Clerk, the Treasurer, the Board of Commissioners, and from municipalities, school districts, and other service districts.  Collections at the Puget Sound Regional Archives include primary sources containing historical information on: Buildings Businesses Communities Economic Development Education Genealogy Land Use Local Government Policies and Actions Pioneers Ports Property ownership Social Issues Trade Transportation (Roads, Highways, Street Railways, Bus Systems) Records Management Services The Northwest Regional Branch acts as a regional resource in the area of public records and information management.  These services include consultation, workshops, and the coordination of additional services. Contact the Puget Sound Regional Branch Hours:   8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding state holidays) Records Management Assistance: Michael Saunders Phone 425/564-3950 Fax 425/564-3945 Mailing Address: Puget Sound Regional Archives Pritchard-Fleming Building 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, MS-N100 Bellevue, WA 98007-6484 Research Telephone:   425/564-3940 Research e-mail: Archives@bcc.ctc.edu FAX: 425/564-3945   Property Records and Research For King County Property To Find Information for the Following Dates: 1866-1937 Tax Assessment Rolls for these years are contained in large bulky volumes.  The rolls contain only limited information: name, legal description, assessed value, and taxes paid.  There are limited years available before 1900 and only every fifth year between 1900-1941.  Call first and plan to visit the archives to access this information. 1937-1972 Old property record cards generally contain: the record of  tax assessments, photographs of the buildings, description of construction, date of construction, small sketch of the exterior plan of buildings (including dimensions), segregation dates, numbers for land parcels, some ownership information, and some excise numbers.  Occasionally, (for post-1937 construction) building permit numbers are included.   The Puget Sound Regional Archives staff cannot retrieve real property records with just the property address Property record cards are accessed by tax parcel number or brief legal description (subdivision, block and lot).  Tax parcel numbers can be obtained by calling the King County Assessor's office at 206/296-7300, or through a Real Property Finder at the following web pages: City of Seattle Executive Services Department King County Department of Development and Environmental Services The cards DO NOT include: the name of the tax payer, every owner of the property, amount of taxes paid, purchase prices (although this is occasionally noted), detailed floor plans or blueprints, location of buildings on the property, architect or builders name, the reason for segregations, changes of zoning codes, or easements. For segregation information after 1972, and tax assessments for the 1973/1974 tax year and after, please contact the King County Tax Assessor's office.  If the information is not on the computer, please ask the personnel there to look at the microfiche. Local Government Records Commonly Useful in Genealogical Research Available at the Puget Sound Regional Branch King County Kitsap County Pierce County King County Territorial Census, 1856, 1871, 1879-1881, 1883, 1885, 1887, 1889, 1892 School District Census, 1896-1932 Seattle School District, 1912-1914 Registers of School Teachers and Officials,1890s-1950s Territorial District Court, 1853-1889 Probate Indexes, 1853-1977 Cause Files, 1853-1971 Marriage License Register, 1866-1917 Record of Marriages, 1888-1926 Recorded Marriage Certificates, 1913-1923 Index, 1889-1946 Register of Voters, 1916-1935 Ballard, 1891-1893 Seattle 2nd and 4th Wards, 1884-1940 Assessment Rolls, beginning in 1862 (incomplete)--after 1900 we have every fifth year, plus 1941 Property Record Cards, 1937-1972 General Recordings Index, 1853-1971 Articles of Incorporation, 1869-1971 Photographs from the Port of Seattle and METRO Birth Registers, 1891-the fall of 1907 on microfilm Death Registers, 1891-the fall of 1907 on microfilm Medical and Dental Registers, 1882-1910 Territorial Volunteers Muster Rolls, 1854-1856 Polk Directories, 1914-1915, 1919-1920, 1922, 1925, 1931, 1938-1940, 1948-1983 Kitsap County Territorial Census, 1857, 1860, 1871, 1883, 1885, 1887, 1889 School Census, 1870s-1890s Teacher Records, 1890-1976 School Election Poll Books, 1890-1936 Assessment Rolls, 1892-1893, 1913, 1920-1954 Marriage Records, 1892-1933, 1800s-1985 (with index) Chattel Mortgage Indexes, 1878-1967 Conditional Sales Indexes, 1893-1967 Miscellaneous Registers: Mining Claims, Business Licenses, Logging Marks, Medical Dental, Architects Naturalization Declarations and Petitions, 1911-1955 General Recordings Index, 1888-1977 Miscellaneous Probate Journals, 1870s-1947 Record of Petitions, 1879-1939 Record of Wills, 1880-1955 Letters of Testamentary and Administration, 1879-1984 Mothers' Pension Appearance Dockets, 1913-1937 Certificates of Repatriation, 1940-1954
	Washington State Historical Society View exhibits, find a list of Washington History museums and read excerpts from the Society's publication, Columbia Magazine. Includes links to Washington State History Museum, Washington State Capital Museum, and other WSHS-affiliated museums and research centers.
	Washington State Genealogical Society P.O. Box 1422 Olympia, WA 98507-1422
	Washington State Archives and Library – Capitol Grounds, Olympia, WA. Archives: (360) 753-5485. Library: (360) 753-5590. Washington/Northwest Room of the library has Washington State material only; census, county histories, land records, death record index, and newspapers. In the Local History collection they have all known publications relating to Washington, its counties and cities. The staff indexes newspapers and periodicals for WA State subjects, 1965 to date. They also have a name index to WA State individuals mentioned in newspaper and periodical sources.
	King County Archives & Records Management – 1215 East Fir Street, Seattle, WA. (206) 296-1538. E-mail: Archives@MetroKC.gov. Open 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, by appointment only. Copies at $ .15 per page.
	Eastside Journal Newspaper Index (of old newspapers) created by Alan Stein
	Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) - Photo Collection under the "Collections" link
	KING COUNTY ARCHIVES - PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPH HOLDINGS

• Information on Washington State Pioneers
• History of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest
• Puget Sound Genealogical Society Library -Givens Community Center, 1026 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard, WA in Room 110. (360) 874-8813 Our hours are Monday and Friday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM  A comprehensive list of the library's holdings has been compiled.  With a locator key and category color coding guide at the beginning, the list is sorted into two sections: Locator Number and Alphabetically By Titles.  It is approximately 90 pages and will cost about $15.00.  Puget Sound 

Thematic:

• Pacific NW Railroad Museum – P.O. Box 459, Snoqualmie, WA. (425) 888-0373.
• Legal History
  • King County Law Library – Located in the King County Courthouse in Seattle. (206) 296-0940. They have the first De-Cenninal Digest.
  • Washington Court Historical Society
• Klondike Gold Rush Museum – 117 South Main Street (Pioneer Square), Seattle, WA. (206) 553-7220
• Maritime History - Puget Sound
  • www.pugetmaritime.org/ Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society
  • NW Seaport/Maritime Heritage Center – 1002 Valley, Seattle, WA. (206) 623-9800
  • www.naut-res-guild.org/ Nautical Research Guild 

GROUPS

• Eastside Genealogical Society P.O. Box 374 Bellevue, WA 998009-0374
• www.historylink.org/nwhistorian   The Pacific NorthWest Historian's Guild -meets at National Archives
• www.issaquahhistory.org/ 
• South King County Genealogical Society P.O. Box 3174 Kent, WA 98032-3174 (message phone) 253-572-6650 Meets 3rd Sat (except July, Aug & Dec) 10 am at First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 SE 248th St, Kent
• Tacoma-Pierce County Genealogical Society, PO Box 1952, Tacoma, WA 98401-1952
  ~~Meets 2nd Tues 6:30 pm at Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave S.
• ASSOCIATION OF KING COUNTY HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS (AKCHO)
• Historical and Genealogy Societies in Washington 
• NSDAR - Washington State

• Eastside Genealogical Society Library – 1111 110th N.E., Bellevue, WA. (425) 450-1760. 
• Heritage Quest Research Library – 909 Main St., Suite 5, Sumner, WA. (253) 893-1806. An excellent source of all types of genealogical material. There is a $4.00 daily usage fee - $30.00 yearly fee
• History of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest

	Puget Sound Genealogical Society – 1026 Sidney Ave., Suite 110, Port Orchard, WA. (360) 874-8813. Library Hours: Monday & Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
	Seattle-King County Historical Society – 2700 24th East, Seattle, WA. (206) 324-1126.
	South King County Genealogical Society Library – Located at the Auburn Public Library - 9th & H St. S.E., Auburn, WA. (253) 931-3018. Materials are for use at the library. A large collection of Genealogical Books and Bulletins. Be sure to check the Vertical File located next to the book collection.
	South King County Genealogical Society Traveling Library – This collection is available for use at each Society meeting. Check out for one month is for members only. Includes books, tapes, and videos.
	Suquamish Museum – 15838 Sandy Hook Road, Suquamish, WA. (360) 598-3311.
	Tacoma Historical Society – 315 N. Stadium Way, Tacoma, WA. (253) 593-2830.
	Tacoma Public Library – 1102 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA. (253) 591-5666. Parking next to library, two hours free for library use. Get parking token at the main desk. They have a large collection of genealogical material.
	www.historylink.org - click on "Links Plus" on right column for more groups Local Links Database (Searchable!) Active links to leading historical institutions and groups in King County and resources of interest to students of local history. History Link-o-Rama (Updated September, 2000) A large collection of links to the most educational, entertaining, and diverse history-related web sites worldwide, as chosen by the HistoryLink staff.

http://www.metrokc.gov/recelec/archives/gen.htm 

 

http://www.kcls.org/findit/northwest.html 

Chief Seattle's 1854 Speech

Suquamish version. See also Washington State Library's alternate versions of the speech. 

 

East Side Journal Index
Index to articles about the communities on the east side of Lake Washington, from 1918 to 1975.  

 

HistoryLink
An interactive Web site, which chronicles the history of Seattle and King County, Washington.  

 

Kalakala Foundation 
Read the history of the Kalakala, and take a virtual tour of the ferry. 

 

National Register Information System 
Allows you to look up sites on the National Register of Historic Places by county and state.

 

Pacific Northwest History 
Links to many sites, including the Klondike Gold Rush, Japanese American internment camps, Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark expedition. Includes British Columbia. 

 

Seattle Municipal Archives 
Photos from 1895-1937 and facts about Seattle's history, including Pike Place Market.

 

Unsettling Events 
Avalanches, battles, earthquakes, fires, floods, ghosts, massacres, strikes, UFOs and more--all part of Northwest history! 

 

Washington Place Names 
Search for information about Washington State places, including location and historical information.

Burke Museum of Natural History 
Collections and exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.

 

CPSHA: Center for Puget Sound History and Archaeology 
Includes many Northwest history links and a calendar of Heritage Events.

 

Historical Museums
List of historical museums in Washington State.

 

Oregon Historical Society 
Preview exhibits, and find maps, photos and other information related to Northwest History.  

Learn @Ancestry.com
Getting started, how to search and organize your finds, computers and genealogy, about geography and maps, access to weekly columns & newsletters.

Beginner's Guide to Family History Research
The basics of genealogical research, a glossary of terms and lists of resources.

Internet Genealogy: What You CAN and CANNOT Do
Helpful introduction to the kinds of genealogical resources available on the Web, with excellent examples of each.

Genealogy Resources on the Internet
Links to ethnic groups, religions, maps, online periodicals and mailing lists.

World GenWeb Project
Sites hosted by volunteers for countries and regions of the world. 

Federal Land Patent Records
Index and images of more than 2 million initial land transfer records for Public Land States, issued between 1820 and 1908.

Genealogy Software SpringBoard
Reviews of genealogy software programs, pros and cons from users, and links to vendors' websites, some offering downloadable demos.

ObitFinder
Search 200,000 recent obituaries from U.S. newspapers. Some archives retained as long as a year.

Vital Records
Where to write for birth, death and marriage records. 

King County GenWeb Project
Queries, obits and cemetery records, links to research resources. Check out the archives page for a 1909 King County map.