NW Photographic Collections


The following is a listing of some photographic collections in the Pacific Northwest.



Each organization has agreed to assist people interested in accessing their collection for personal research purposes.

If you are aware of additional organizations that would like to be listed please email the PSPCS.

Franklin County Historical Society, Pasco, WA
Over 1,000 photographs are available depicting Franklin County. Agriculture, aviation, railroad and river transportation are a few of the many subjects. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Franklin County Historical Museum is located at 305 N. 4th, Pasco, WA 99301. For more information including admission prices write to the previous address.
White River Valley Museum, Auburn, WA
The museum has a collection of over 3,000 photographs taken by both amateurs and professionals going back to the late 1800's. Pictures display life along the White River Valley, particularly Auburn and Kent. A collection 25 cameras and photographic equipment such as tripods and lights is also on display most dating early 1900's. The Museum is located at 918 H Street SE, Auburn, WA, 98002 in Auburn's Les Gove Park. For more information call (253) 939-2783.
Cheney Cowles Museum, Spokane, WA
Approximately 200,000 photographs and 170,000 negatives primarily related to the Inland Northwest can be seen. The largest of the museums studio collections is the Libby Studio Collection. 150,000 photographs can be seen covering events, buildings, and individuals in Spokane and the Inland Northwest.For more information write to the Eastern Washington State Historical Society West 2316 First Avenue, Spokane, WA, 92204 or call (509) 456-3931. Their web site can also be found at http://www.tincan.org/~ccm/.
The Museum of History and Industry, Seattle, WA
The museums entire collection of photographs totals over 500,000 on all aspects of Seattle, King County, and Pacific Northwest History. The museum is located at 2700 - 24th Avenue East, Seattle, WA, 98112 and is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and parking in the museum lot is free. You can either write to the previous address or call (206) 324-1126 for more information. You can also visit the museums web site containing over 1,100 digitized photographs of the regions past at http://www.historymuse-nw.org/.
Anacortes Museum, Anacortes, WA
This collection contains approximately 3,000 photographs and negatives. This collection features items depicting the fishing industry, logging industry, farming, local scenery, portraits of residents, Native American culture and much more. The museum can be contacted by calling (360) 293-1915 or by visiting its web site at http://www.library.anacortes.wa.us/museum/ahmhom.htm.
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum, Bainbridge Island, WA
Over 4,000 images on themes and locations since the 1860's to present as well as arial photographs from 1932 to present are available. Slide programs also make up a part of this collection regarding Archaeology, Vancouver, Sailing Ships, the Hall Brothers Shipyard, and much more. For more information write to the Historical Museum at 7650 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110 or call (206) 842-2273.
The Fort Lewis Military Museum, Fort Lewis, WA
The photo collection contains photographs depicting scenes from Fort Lewis and major wars starting with World War I and military history. Also included are pictures of various divisions and battalions stationed at Fort Lewis. For more information contact the Museum at P.O. Box 331001, Fort Lewis, WA, 98433.
Seattle Municipal Archives, Seattle, WA
The Seattle Municipal Archives collects, preserves, and makes available for search the records of City agencies and elected officials. The Municipal Archives holdings include over one-and-one-half million photographic images of City projects and personnel. These records document the history, development, and activities of the agencies and elected officials of the City of Seattle. For more information write to Scott Cline at the Seattle Municipal Archives: 600 Fourth Avenue, Room 104, Seattle, WA, 98104 or visit the Archives website.