Explore West Seattle
In this Exploration Guide for students in high school, step back in time and explore the rich history of West Seattle: who has lived here over the years and what have they left behind, both physically and culturally?
-
West Seattle | HistoryLink
West Seattle was the first neighborhood in the city, yet it did not officially become part of Seattle for decades. Much later, West Seattle threatened to secede and be independent again. What events contributed to these happenings? What are the pros and cons of seceding from the rest of the city?
View West Seattle | HistoryLink -
MOHAI Minute: Duwamish Art | MOHAI
The earliest Native American totem pole in Seattle was not even from a local tribe! See examples of recent and historical art made by local Duwamish Tribe artists in this short video. What does it take to preserve and celebrate the ongoing traditions and arts of indigenous people?
View MOHAI Minute: Duwamish Art | MOHAI -
Luna Park | Emerald City History Walks
Where in West Seattle was the amazing but short-lived Luna Park amusement park located, and what happened to it? This short video will take you on a walking tour to find out. The video will also introduce you to Luna Park Cafe, where you can learn more of Luna Park’s history and play old jukebox tunes.
View Luna Park | Emerald City History Walks -
Alki Suffragist Katherine Smith | Southwest Seattle Historical Society
A little-known Alki resident was instrumental in helping Washington women win the right to vote in 1910. Why was she motivated to participate in this cause, and what arguments did people use at the time to oppose giving women the right to vote? What promises did pro-suffrage activists need to make to help secure the right to vote?
View Alki Suffragist Katherine Smith | Southwest Seattle Historical Society -
Alki: Seattle’s Recreational Treasure and Founding Neighborhood | Alki History Project
This slide presentation has many interesting bits of historical information about the Alki neighborhood of West Seattle, where popular Alki Beach is located. What recreational activities have people enjoyed at Alki over the years? Are these same activities still popular today? What do you enjoy doing at Alki?
View Alki: Seattle’s Recreational Treasure and Founding Neighborhood | Alki History Project -
Interactive Map of Race Seattle/King County 1940-2010 | UW Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project
This interactive map from the Seattle Civil Rights & Labor History Project at the University of Washington shows racial demographic change throughout Seattle each decade from 1940 - 2010. Choose different population groups and see how they change in West Seattle throughout the decades. Why do you think this happened the way it did? What do you think West Seattle will look like after the 2020 Census? Or the 2030 or 2040 Census?
View Interactive Map of Race Seattle/King County 1940-2010 | UW Seattle Civil Rights and Labor History Project -
Schmitz Preserve Park | Seattle Parks and Recreation
Most of the Seattle area was covered in thick evergreen forests before white settlers arrived and began clearing the land. Only a few spots in the city preserve the original forests, and one of them is Schmitz Preserve Park in West Seattle. The park is named after a local immigrant who thought it was important to preserve some of the original forest in its natural state. Do you agree with him that this was important? Take a short hike through this park to experience the flora and fauna of an old-growth forest. What do you see, and what sounds can you hear, deep in the park ravine?
View Schmitz Preserve Park | Seattle Parks and Recreation -
Seattle Public Schools, 1862-2000: Lafayette Elementary School | HistoryLink
The current site of Lafayette Elementary School has been home to various buildings that served various grades over the years. A very imposing brick building built in 1893 was used for over 50 years, but it no longer exists today. What happened to it? What other significant events have occurred with respect to the school over the years? What is the history of the school you attend?
View Seattle Public Schools, 1862-2000: Lafayette Elementary School | HistoryLink -
Sound Spots: Music of the Duwamish Peninsula | Southwest Seattle Historical Society
Look at the panels to learn about West Seattle hotspots where music was made and recorded over the years. Which current music venues in West Seattle do you think will be remembered in the future? For a bonus, check out the work of artist Jose Rodriguez III, who created the art for the original Sound Spots exhibit at the Log House Museum.
View Sound Spots: Music of the Duwamish Peninsula | Southwest Seattle Historical Society -
Admiral Theater, 1946 | MOHAI
The Admiral Theater has been the only movie theater in West Seattle for decades, and even then, its survival has been uncertain at times. What movies were showing when the photo was taken in 1946? Did those movies reflect that time period or earlier times? What movies have you seen there, if any, and what time periods did they reflect?
View Admiral Theater, 1946 | MOHAI