History and Mission Statement

MOHAI’s Mission

MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation.

MOHAI’s Vision

MOHAI will be nationally recognized as a dynamic and innovative center for historical exploration where people will be inspired by the past to create a better future.

History of MOHAI

The Seattle Historical Society was formed in 1911 (on the 60th anniversary of the Alki landing of the Denny Party), officially incorporated three years later, and eventually became known as the Seattle-King County Historical Society. The Museum of History & Industry opened on February 15, 1952 in the Montlake location. Ten years later the expansion of SR 520 forced the museum to create a new entrance. By the end of the next decade MOHAI had expanded to include the McCurdy Gallery and the McEachern auditorium. In 1974 MOHAI received accreditation from the American Association of Museums.

The proposed widening of SR 520 in 2012 and the eventual demolition of the current museum building, has led MOHAI to explore a new site.  MOHAI is now working with the City of Seattle and others to move to the historic Armory Building in Lake Union Park.  Research indicated this is a desirable location for visitors, and MOHAI has  now embarked on a campaign to make the new museum a reality and planning the transformation of the  landmark building into a nationally recognized regional history museum.

MOHAI has grown to become the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington, attracting more than 60,000 visitors annually from the Northwest and beyond, including thousands of school children. MOHAI collects, preserves and presents the rich history of the Pacific Northwest.  Its engaging exhibits and programs, its collection of nearly 4 million historic artifacts, archives and photographs, and its award-winning educational programs have created an appreciation for the Northwest's diverse cultural, social and economic history.