Library & Archives

Mt. Rainier brochure in the library collection. Published by the Tacoma Commercial Club circa 192?

Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway Company stock certificate.  Issued 15 November 1888, signed by D.H. Gilman.

The Northwest Railway Museum Collection includes published and unpublished material about railroad history and technology. Examples include monographs, periodicals, photographs, engineering records, union meeting minutes and advertising material such as timetables and promotional brochures.  

The primary function of the library and archives is to support Museum research for exhibits and restoration but it is available by appointment to serious researchers. It is a non-lending and closed-stack library - people interested in using the library will have to fill out a form describing the type of information they are looking for so the library staff can pull appropriate material. Researchers may examine the material at the Museum and copying, if necessary, will have to be arranged by Museum staff.

Some historic photographs are now available to view on line. This collaborative project has placed images of King County history from the collections of 12 area museums online. Click here to view these images.

Phase 3 of the Railway History Center is the construction of a new, purpose built Library and Archives building to house this collection. The building will feature a temperture and humidity controlled environment that will help preserve this unique collection. For more information on how you can help move this project forward please contact us today.

For more information about the library and archives collection, please call the Museum at (425) 888-3030.