The Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition, Seattle’s first World’s Fair, was held on the University of Washington campus from June 1 to October 16, 1909. Over 3.7 million people toured elaborate exhibits on government, science, industry and the arts that showcased Washington’s explosive development since the Yukon Gold Rush and its trade connections to the Pacific Rim, including Alaska. In a design created by renowned landscape architect John Olmsted, the exhibits were housed in palatial Beaux Arts buildings surrounded by curving paths, water features and gardens oriented towards views of Mt. Rainier. Although most structures were temporary, many reminders of A-Y-P remain on campus today, most notably the “Rainier Vista” orientation of the campus core.
Exhibit: AYP: Indigenous Voices Reply, Burke Museum
The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: When the World Came to Campus,
Suzzallo Library, Exhibition Room 102 (west entrance). FREE. (Hours)
Alaskan Women's Work at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition
Special Collections Lobby, Allen South Basement. FREE. (Hours)
AYP Centennial Photography Project, featuring UW photography students. Architecture Hall, top floor. Open 9-5, M-F. FREE. (Map)
Classic car event - Drumheller Fountain: In this 100th anniversary reenactment, 54 Model T Fords racing to Seattle from New York will cross the finish line at Drumheller Fountain at 11 a.m., where they will join modern electric cars. (Race schedule)
Book release - Picturing the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition: The Photographs of Frank H. Nowell, by Nicolette Bromberg, Visual Materials Curator, UW Special Collections (University of Washington Press)
Symposium - Asian and Pacific Participants at the AYPE: Fear and Friendship, (Burke Museum)
University of Washington Club Centennial Open House: Sept. 23, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., featuring AYP “Hoo-Hoo Club” photo exhibit, Colleen Rohrbaugh Room (downstairs)Map)
Scandinavian Studies Centennial Celebration and Tree Planting. More info.
ALSO
For a free A-Y-P self-guided walking tour brochure highlighting new A-Y-P signage, stop by the UW Visitors’ Center, Suzzallo Library, Allen Library or University Bookstore
For additional information about AYP, please visit ayp100.org or HistoryLink.org