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Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries

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Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries

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Special Collections brings together the University of Washington Libraries' most rare and unique resources.

From papyrus to born-digital, our holdings span history and the globe, and offer boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

10/31/2026

Happy Halloween!

Radio singing actress Vivian Naomi Fridell, J. Willis Sayre Photograph Collection PH200. University of Washington Libraries

10/26/2026

Today is , a day to celebrate the autumnal gourd we all know and love! Despite this postcard's insistance that Washington pumpkins are particularly profitable, we actually rank number 10 in the production of pumpkins in the US!

This 1908 image from the William H. (Dad) Martin Exaggerated Postcards Collection is actually edited - making it a fantastic example of both early photo editing as well as early dad jokes.

Giant pumpkins on horse-pulled cart with three men, 1908. William H. (Dad) Martin Exaggerated Postcards. PH1279. University of Washington Libraries

10/25/2026

in 1949, the Husky Union Building (HUB) was opened! In the early 1950s, UW's student paper The Washington Daily (predecessor to the Daily) called it the "hub of campus of life." The name stuck, and later the building was given the more official "Husky Union Building."

The photo here shows the final stages of construction before the building was opened!

Construction at the Husky Student Union Building, University of Washington, Seattle, October 12, 1949. News and Information Services Collection PH1104 University of Washington Libraries

10/21/2026

If we had a nickel for every digitized photograph we had of an elaborate apple display at a world's fair, we'd have three nickels. Which isn't a lot but it's weird it's happened three times.

Happy !

Upper right: North Central Washington Apple display in Palace of Horticulture, Panama Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915. Panama Pacific International Exposition and Panama-California Exposition Photograph Album PH0201

Lower Right: Apple exhibit, Canada Building, Alaska-Yukon-Pacific-Exposition, Seattle, Washington, 1909. Frank H. Nowell Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition Photographs PH0727

Left: Apple sculpture in the Palace of Horticulture, Panama Pacific International Exposition, San Francisco, 1915. Panama Pacific International Exposition and Panama-California Exposition Photograph Album PH0201

University of Washington Libraries

10/15/2026

in 1969, the first Vietnam War Moratorium took place. The moratorium was a suspension of normal activities and a day of protest against the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. Thousands of Americans participated in the Moratorium in cities all over the nation.

In Seattle, more than 5,000 people marched down Fourth Ave. in downtown Seattle. Participants gathered outside the Main Library and marched to Westlake Mall, chanting and waving signs and flags, blocking traffic for around two hours. The rally ended with the reading of the names of Washington men who had lost their lives in the war, a process that took about 45 minutes.

Protesters holding banner during the first Vietnam Moratorium demonstration in downtown Seattle, October 15, 1969. Joseph Karpen Collection PH1191. University of Washington Libraries

09/12/2026

Today at 12:30, UW plays Utah State. !

Action on field in University of Washington vs. Utah football game, University of Washington, September 18, 1954. News and Information Services Collection. PH Coll 1104

09/06/2026

UW plays WSU today at 1 PM! !

Ticket to the Washington State College (later Washington State University) vs. University of Washington football game at University Field, Seattle, November 29, 1917. James M. Eagleson papers. Accession no. 5268-001.

University of Washington Libraries

09/03/2026

We're hiring! Special Collections is looking for a graduate student to join us as a Student Reference Assistant! This posting closes TODAY, so be sure to apply!

You can learn more about the position and apply online here: bit.ly/screfstu

University of Washington Libraries

09/02/2026

We're hiring! Special Collections is looking for a graduate student to join us as a Student Reference Assistant! The job will remain open until September 3rd.

You can learn more about the position and apply online here: bit.ly/screfstu

University of Washington Libraries

Address

Allen Library South, Basement
Seattle, WA
98195

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4:45pm
Tuesday	10am - 4:45pm
Wednesday	10am - 4:45pm
Thursday	10am - 4:45pm
Friday	10am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+12065431929

Website

https://www.lib.washington.edu/specialcollections

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