Cirelli, Michael, 1944-2002

Michael Cirelli was an avid researcher of Seattle and Northwest photography and history. A Seattle native, Cirelli grew up in South Seattle, served in the Navy as a photographer in the 1960s, and afterwards continued to work with photography as a printer. When Cirelli lost his job around 1980, he managed to live on a modest fixed income and devote his time to research. Though he had researched and collected all his life, after 1980 he spent much of his time at local libraries photocopying and hand copying old newspaper articles and looking at photographs, and visiting local antique shops, collecting historic photographs and ephemera. Considered a local authority on historical photographers that visited or settled in Seattle or the Northwest, Cirelli amassed extensive files on early regional photography and history over his years of research and corresponded regularly with other local history aficionados and people engaged in genealogical research. Michael Cirelli died at 58 years old in 2002.

From the description of Michael Cirelli collection on Northwest photography, 1865-2000 (bulk 1890s-1910s). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 159938920

Michael Cirelli was an avid researcher of Seattle and Northwest photography and history. A Seattle native, Cirelli grew up in South Seattle, served in the Navy as a photographer in the 1960s, and afterwards continued to work with photography as a printer. When Cirelli lost his job around 1980, he managed to live on a modest fixed income and devote his time to research. Though he had researched and collected all his life, after 1980 he spent much of his time at local libraries photocopying and hand copying old newspaper articles and looking at photographs, and visiting local antique shops, collecting historic photographs and ephemera. Considered a local authority on historical photographers that visited or settled in Seattle or the Northwest, Cirelli amassed extensive files on early regional photography and history over his years of research and corresponded regularly with other local history aficionados and people engaged in genealogical research.

Michael Cirelli died at 58 years old in 2002.

From the guide to the Michael Cirelli collection on Northwest photography, 1865-2000, 1890s-1910s, (Museum of History & Industry Sophie Frye Bass Library)