Representative Samuel J Smith seated at his desk in the House chamber.

Samuel J. Smith was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1958, representing Seattle’s 37th District, and served five consecutive terms until 1967. During his tenure, he became a key figure in the emerging civil rights movement in Washington. His most notable legislative achievement was his persistent advocacy for fair housing laws. His efforts culminated in the passage of Washington’s state open housing law in 1967, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination in housing based on race. The Washington State Archives recently digitized the Samuel J. Smith scrapbooks (1946-1980). They document Smith’s political and civic activities and include photographs of him in conversation with governors, civil rights leaders, and colleagues, as well as certificates and awards recognizing his efforts to champion social justice and support his constituents. Correspondence and printed materials, such as campaign flyers and newsletters, further illustrate Smith's role as an advocate and bridge-builder within the political and civic realms.

Browse the Smith scrapbooks in our Digital Archives here: Samuel J. Smith Scrapbooks, Book 1, 1951-1980