The Musicians' Association of Seattle dates back to the fall of 1889 as the Seattle chapter of the Musicians Mutual Protective Union (MMPU), becoming Local 76 of that organization. The Board of Directors created a Constitution, By-Laws, Directory and Price List of 1892. During the economic setbacks of 1892-1893, the union struggled to stay in existence and to preserve their wage scale. Members of organized musicians reorganized under the American Federation of Musicians Local 76 on March 1, 1898. Another important chapter of Local 76-493's history dates to 1958, when African American members of the previously segregated AFM Local 493 were amalgamated with those of Local 76, forming one integrated Local. In December 1994 the local's name was officially changed to "Local 76-493", to acknowlege and celebrate that history.
From the guide to the Musicians' Association of Seattle records, 1905-2010, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)
