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Century 21 Exposition collection, 1956-1963

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.)
Title
Century 21 Exposition collection
Dates
1956-1963 (inclusive)
Quantity
3.02 cubic feet (9 boxes, 1 oversize folder, and 1 vertical file)
Collection Number
0507 (Accession No. 0507-006)
Summary
Planning records, press releases, ephemera, and memorabilia from the 1962 World's fair held in Seattle, WA
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access. No access copies currently available for media. Reproducations may be requested for a fee. Contact Special Collections for details. Request at UW

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was partially provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities
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Historical Note

In 1962, Seattle hosted the Century 21 Exposition, also known as the Seattle World's Fair. The event, which focused on the possibilities of the future, drew in almost 10 million visitors and earned the city of Seattle world-wide recognition. Introduced by City Councilman Al Rochester in 1955, planning for fair spanned the years of 1956-1961 and eventually led to an extravagant opening ceremony on April 21st, 1962. The event continued until October 21st and became a lasting legacy in the history of Seattle.

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Content Description

Correspondence, minutes, reports, ephemera, newsclippings, press releases, and objects originating from the Century 21 Exposition.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyrights retained by creator. Contact University of Washington Libraries Special Collections for details.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Organized into 8 series.

  • Series 1: Planning and Committee Materials - General Century 21
  • Series 2: Press Releases
  • Series 3: Newspapers and Magazines
  • Series 4: Planning Materials - Exhibition/Pavilion-Specific
  • Series 5: Ephemera - General Century 21 Materials
  • Series 6: Ephemera - Exhibition/Pavilion-Specific Material
  • Series 7: Commemorative Objects
  • Series 8: Musical Recordings

Acquisition Information

This collection was created from donations from multiple donors between 1961 and 2025.

Processing Note

This accession was formed when several other accessions were merged including: 0507-001, 0507-002, 0507-003, 0507-004, 0507-005, 5662-001, 5948-001, and subject/reference files.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 

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Subject Terms

  • Exhibitions--Washington (State)
  • Exhibitions--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Exhibitions--Washington (State)--Seattle--20th century
  • Menus--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Science--United States--Exhibitions
  • Space Needle (Seattle, Wash.)

Corporate Names

  • Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.)

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names

    • Century 21 Exposition (1962 : Seattle, Wash.). National Science Planning Board (creator)
    • Washington (State). World Fair Commission (1955-1962) (creator)


2011 (Last modified: 8/21/2025)

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