Labor Archives of Washington

Quick Links

• About the Labor Archives of Washington
• Support the Labor Archives
• Founders Circle: Building a Legacy
• Visit Us
• UW TV's Video Series on the Labor Archives

About the Labor Archives of Washington

Preserving the Voices of Working People

A unit of the Special Collections of the University of Washington Libraries, the Labor Archives of Washington (LAW) is a collaborative project of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies and the University of Washington Libraries. Initial funding for the Archives came largely from the labor movement; the contributions of dozens of unions and hundreds of individuals made this possible.

Scope of Collections

The Labor Archives of Washington (LAW) houses over 350 collections of labor and labor-related materials from individuals and organizations. These collections provide comprehensive documentation of the local, national, and international aspects of the labor movement in the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, they shed light on the intricate intersections between labor unions and social justice, civil rights, and political organizations that focus on labor relations and labor rights.

Founding Story

In 2008, a group of dedicated labor historians and activists came together with a shared vision: to create a repository that would safeguard the rich heritage of labor movements in the Pacific Northwest. The LAW was born from this collective passion for preserving the stories, struggles, and triumphs of workers who have shaped our region's history.

Mission

The LAW is committed to capturing the essence of the labor movements that have left an indelible mark on our society. With a mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible a comprehensive collection of materials that chronicle the labor experience, the LAW promotes a deeper understanding of the vital role workers play in shaping communities and industries.

Guardians of History

Since it began operating in 2010, the LAW has grown into a haven for archival treasures, including photographs, documents, oral histories, artifacts, and more. The LAW takes pride in being the guardians of history, meticulously cataloging and preserving these invaluable resources for future generations.

For more information, visit the Labor Archives of Washington website.​

Support the Labor Archives

Become a Friend of the Labor Archives
Join a community dedicated to preserving labor history! Members receive:

• Exclusive reproductions from our archives
• Invitations to lectures, exhibitions, and behind-the-scenes tours
• Updates on new acquisitions and research

Membership Levels

• Individual: 100/year | Student/Low−Income: 100/year | Student/Low−Income: 50/year
• Organization: $300/year

Join Today: Donate Online  | Download Membership Form

Our Board of Directors includes labor leaders, historians, and community advocates like:

• Steve Conway, WA State Senator, 29th District, Tacoma
• James Gregory, former Harry Bridges Chair in Labor Studies
• Holly Hulscher, ILWU Local 23
• Tom Lux, President, Pacific Northwest Labor History Association
• Terri Mast, National Secretary Treasurer, Inlandboatmen's Union, retired
• Patty Rose, Secretary-Treasurer, Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, retired
• Eugene Vrana, ILWU Director of Educational Services, retired
• Robin Walker, ILWU Director of Educational Services, Librarian and Archivist

Founder's Circle: Building a Legacy

Between 2008 and 2013, over 270 donors raised $500,000+ to launch the Labor Archives. Their names are immortalized at UW's Suzzallo Library.

Key Contributors

• ILWU Longshore Division ($150,000)
• Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies ($40,000)
• Washington State Labor Council ($30,500)

Explore Full Founders Circle List

Visit Us

Location: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections | Seattle, WA
Contact: cmcasey@uw.edu | (206) 543-0532
Website: laborarchives.org