Seattle’s Fairs: Alaska Yukon Pacific (1909) and Century 21 (1962)

Collection

Identifier: GEN-12

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

News articles, publications, attendance reports, photographs, and ephemera

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found in 1909, 1956-1963, 2013

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use

Conditions Governing Use

This collection is open for use

Biographical / Historical

The Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition (AYP) was the first worlds fair to take place in Washington state and was intended to signify to the nation the state’s shift from the “frontier” to a bustling city. The fair took place on the University of Washington Campus grounds and helped build the infrastructure for the campus.

The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair (also know as the Century 21 Exhibition) took place from April 21, 1962, to October 21, 1962. The fair had a futuristic, space theme that coincided with the space race happening between US and the Soviet Union. The fair left behind a variety of landmarks in Seattle, include the Space Needle.

Extent

0.5 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains articles, reports, photos, and an original Coast Magazine for the 1909 Alaska Yukon Pacific Fair. Additionally, the collection includes publications, photos, and an address by Robert F. Kennedy for the 1962 Century 21 Fair.