King County Archives launches new online search tool

February 18, 2016

Summary

King County Archives, the home of thousands of official documents and photographs, has launched a new online collection search tool at www.kingcounty.gov/archives/search.

Story

From home, library, or via mobile device, now anyone can research King County Archives collection database. A new search tool is now online at www.kingcounty.gov/archives/search. More than 200,000 records are currently in the database, with more to come. Along with search, users can bookmark items of interest and request a research appointment with Archives.

Archives is also in the early stages of making some of its rich photographic collection directly available through the site. At present, more than 1,000 scanned historical photographs are available for download, with many more on the way.

Supporting government transparency and understanding of local history

The online collection search furthers Archives ability to serve the public, enabling more access to King County records.

"The historical records of King County government are the people's records," said King County Archivist Carol Shenk. "They tell the story not just of King County agencies and officials, but of our region's cultural, economic, political, and natural histories. This new search tool allows people to discover what is in the collection at their convenience, before contacting us at the Archives, saving them time."

As more scanned photos and records are posted by Archives staff, researchers will have immediate access to more and more of the collection as the database grows.

About the collection

King County Archives houses more than 20,000 cubic feet of historical records that document the history of King County government and the region from 1853 to the present. County functions represented include elections, economic development, community planning, public health, law enforcement and criminal justice, transportation, environmental protection, civil rights and social justice, marriages, property history, parks and open space, King County Council legislation, County Executive policy, and more. Record formats in the collection run the gamut from 19th Century handwritten ledgers, to large-scale architectural drawings, to audio and video recordings, to photographs, and an increasing number of digital records.

Original historical records in the collection are available to the public for viewing at the Archives by appointment only. To learn more about the King County Archives and see online historical exhibits, visit www.kingcounty.gov/archives.

 

Quote

The historical records of King County government are the people's records. They tell the story not just of King County agencies and officials, but of our region's cultural, economic, political, and natural histories. This new search tool allows people to discover what is in the collection at their convenience, before contacting us at the Archives, saving them time.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Carol Shenk, King County Archives, 206-263-2480
Cameron Satterfield, Department of Executive Services, 206-263-9758