Historical Museum

Do you want to be a part of preserving and sharing history?

We have acquired thousands of images and need your help in identfying them.

The photos were taken by Bill Forman.  He apparently was a commercial photographer in Mount Vernon.  Dates on the envelopes range from the 1920s to the 1950s.  There is a wide range of subject matter – everything from insurance claim photos of dented cars, to Skagit County Fair royalty; weddings to exterior/interior photos of businesses; dance recitals to football games.  There are photos of car crashes, and even one of a woman with her pet fox!

So – we need your help!  We will be posting a set of photos each month. Our goal is to identify as many as possible, enter them into our Museum software, and have them accessible to the public. 

Review this months photos here

In our rotating exhibit space in the North Wing of the Museum learn about why Hwy 536 became known as Memorial Highway, see the photos of some of the fallen and other items from our permanent collection.

Calling all Artists and Creators of all Skill Levels and Ages!
“Everyone’s A Critic” will be an interactive art competition and exhibit hosted by the Skagit County Historical Museum. All ages, skill levels, and mediums are encouraged to participate. All submissions (space allowing) will be displayed in an exhibit at the museum throughout the summer of 2025. Throughout the exhibit there will be three rounds of voting by the public and by a panel of judges to determine the winners. The winner of the competition will be announced at SCHM’s Fall Fundraiser that will take place on November 1st, 2025, at Maple Hall in La Conner. The winning pieces from each age group will be entered into the museum’s permanent collection and will be featured in the museum’s quarterly newsletter.
All who vote will be entered to win free admission for a family of 4 to the museum!

Flyer | Online Form | Download the Form

The most recent census (2020) lists the population of Skagit County at 129,532. But the membership of the Historical Society is 359. That isn’t a lot of folks to support the preservation and presentation of the amazing history of our County. Please consider being a member. Come with your family, come with your friends and check out our small but mighty museum that is dedicated to preserving and presenting Skagit history for all people for all time. Help us reach our goal of growing our membership to 500!

Here are some details about becoming a member:

Membership entitles you to a full year for free admission and special privileges:

-Discounted pricing on Special Events
-Free admission to our Topics at the School series
-Subscription to and recognition in our Quarterly Newsletter
-10% discount at the Museum Store
-Vote at the Annual Membership Meeting
-Time Travelers membership-offering discounts to over 300 historical museums

Membership tiers with annual dues:

• Educator/ Student $25
• Individual Membership $35
• Family Membership $50
• Explorer Membership $100
  -Free admission for 2 adults plus 4 guest passes
  -10% discount on reprints of historic photographs
• Pioneer $250
  -Free admission for 2 adults plus 6 guest passes
  -10% discount on reprints of historic photographs
  -Special group tour for 10 people
• Founder $500
  -Four membership cards and 8 guest passes
  -$25 gift certificate for SCHM published historical books
• Visionary $1000
  -Six membership cards and 10 guest passes
  -$50 gift certificate for SCHM published historical books

Skagit County Historical Museum Education Program
Location: Skagit City School 17508 Moore Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Skagit City School Experience available Monday-Friday between 9:30am and 3:00pm, by appointment only.

Event generally lasts 4.5 hours including sack lunch break (bring your own lunch).

More information and Reservation Form

The Skagit River Journal

Educational Programs | Brochure