Connecting people with their past
King County open house commemorates archives month

King County Archives, the agency responsible for making thousands of government records available to researchers, historians and genealogists, will hold an open house from noon to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25. In coordination with Washington State Archives month, this event will serve to raise public awareness of the value of historical records.

King County joins local archives, museums, historical societies, and libraries in celebrating archives month with special events throughout the state. Archives agencies across Washington will celebrate with a theme of "Waters of Washington." A full listing of Archives Month events is available at
www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/archivesmonth.

The open house will showcase an array of records, activities and processes that illustrate King County government services. The treasured documents are used frequently by journalists, museums, students, researchers, government employees and agencies. 

King County's collection dates back to the formation of King County in 1853 and includes records of the first marriage recorded in King County and minutes of the inaugural meeting of the first King County Commissioners. Most of the archival collection dates from the mid-twentieth century and consists of materials created or received by King County agencies.

For new visitors, the open house will be an opportunity to go behind the scenes to tour the vault and view some of King County's archival assets. Samples of the Archives' historical collection, including original film footage, early hand-colored maps, and photographs will be available for viewing. Archivists will also be on hand to answer questions about preserving personal papers and photographs.

 "Archives Month highlights King County's diverse historical collection," commented Tony Adams, manager of King County Archives and Records Management. "Since 1989, the King County Archives has maintained a repository for King County records of historical importance."

King County Archives is located at 1215 East Fir Street in Seattle. For more information and an online exhibit of the Waters of King County, visit the Archives' Web site at http://www.metrokc.gov/recelec/archives/archives.htm.

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King County Archives safeguards government records for the 14th largest county in the nation. Archives preserves and makes public the official historical footprint of 102 agencies including records from past County Commissioners, Executives and the Council.