Tug Equator on the Seattle Waterfront, circa 1940. Williamson Photo Collection.
Photographic Collection
Seeking a stunning photograph of NW maritime history? Puget Sound Maritime’s collections contain more than 100,000 photos.
The largest and most comprehensive collection is the Williamson Collection, by famed waterfront photographer Joe Williamson, and capturing Puget Sound area maritime activity from the early 1900s to the 1950s. It consists of more than 50,000 individual ship photos and 30,000 negatives.
Joe Williamson in front of his downtown Seattle photo shop, The Marine Salon, holding a steam whistle. Date and source of whistle unknown.
PSM also cares for numerous other photograph collections, including the Lloyd Stadum Collection covering American cargo and passenger ships.
Searching PSM Photo Collections
Digitized images are searchable through our online collections database. If you cannot find what you are looking for, contact our research staff; less than 7% of our photo collection has been digitized as of late 2024. We may be able to find what you are looking for.
Some of PSM’s historic photographs are available for viewing at King County Snapshots. These photographs are protected under copyright laws and may not be used for any purpose without the express written permission of Puget Sound Maritime. If you wish to order or use a copy of any copyrighted photograph, please contact PSM for conditions and fees, or find them here:
Photo Licensing Agreement and Photo Price List
Specialty Photo Scans
Specialty scans of negatives, large format images, or exceptionally high resolution images are handled by the photography specialists at our partner organization, the Museum of History and Industry.
Students, MOHAI members, and PSM members will still receive a 15% discount on fees. Not a member? Join today to get your 15% discount!
