Interested in primary sources on the history of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington or the Northwest? This guide lists a selection of local and regional archives, libraries, museums and other resources to which we frequently refer researchers. This list is not exhaustive. Contact us if you have questions about locating records on a particular topic.
Please note that the online Directory of Archival and Manuscript Repositories in the Northwest (listed below) is a valuable and more inclusive guide to primary source repositories.
OUR MISSION
Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections provides for responsible stewardship of and access to unique and archival resources in support of teaching, learning and research at Western Washington University and beyond. The Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Special Collections, and University Archives and Records Management work together to document the culture and history of Western, the local community and Pacific Northwest region, and to promote public and scholarly access to holdings.