After seven years of operation at its pristine South Lake Union location, the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) finally made a little history itself when its first visitor ever walked in today.
Jessica Yee, 27, a California transplant who moved to Washington for work, said she was honored and, honestly, a little blindsided to be the museum’s first visitor.
“This place is actually pretty cool,” said Yee, who had only spontaneously wandered inside while searching for a nearby bathroom. “Did you know Seattle existed before 1995? I sure didn’t!”
Longtime volunteer docent Maggie Motulksy says Yee is the first to view the museum’s permanent collection of 4 million rare artifacts that include a lock of Jeff Bezos’ hair, Dorito bags Seattle Police handed out at Hempfest 2013, and 2 million emaculate Howard Schultz 2020 bumper stickers.
“It’s a special day,” said Motulsky through tears. “This place is so important to so many unemployed history majors. Maybe now it can be important to the public too.”
Though ambitious, MOHAI staff say they’re hoping to welcome their second visitor by summer 2020.
