The Virginia Mason Historical Archives collects, documents and provides access to Virginia Mason Medical Center (VM), Hospital and Clinic history from VM's inception in 1920 to the present. The Archives documents and preserves news and other communications, stories, images and artifacts related to VM's origins and evolution, contributions to the medical and scientific community, medical firsts and innovative programs, facilities, corporate culture and leadership.

The Historical Archives is a resource to VM staff, physicians emeritus, and researchers interested in medical history. Research in the Archives is conducted by phone, email and in person appointments. Certain files within our physician papers are restricted. A written request to see these files is required. Access will be determined on a case by case basis. Appointments for those wishing to use archival materials should be arranged in advance.

The Virginia Mason Historical Archives maintains over 70 cubic feet of physician papers, administrative and departmental records, annual reports, brochures, flyers, staff communications and departmental and hospital newsletters. This includes records of the Virginia Mason School of Nursing describing curriculum, admissions, and student life in the residential training program from 1920-1950’s.

The photograph collection contains over 10,000 images dating from 1920 to the present and is a rich resource offering an immediate glimpse of Virginia Mason history through images of departmental functions, significant surgical photos, hospital construction, building interiors, social events, important meetings, and portraits of staff and physicians.

The Archives maintains a small collection of early medical texts, published papers and books by Virginia Mason authors and a complete set of the Bulletin of the Mason Clinic.

The Archives also houses artifacts, medical instruments and turn of the century nursing uniforms, as well as a series of moving images of historical surgeries and promotional films relating to VM hospital. There are original medical illustrations, scrapbooks, and oral history recordings with founding doctors, administrators and key staff members.