In August 2022, The Port of Skagit County, the Skagit County Historical Museum, and the Sedro-Woolley Museum were proud to present their first public history preservation event at Northern State to gather oral histories and stories from the people who worked, lived at, or have connections with the hospital. Thank you to our speakers, volunteers, and the many people who attended and shared their memories.
Hear the Stories
At Public History Days, stories and memories of the hospital during its working days were collected from former employees and family members from Northern State. The Sedro-Woolley Museum and the Skagit County Historical Museum are currently organizing and editing the material. Watch this page for updates.
Books on Northern State Hospital are available for purchase at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S 4th St, La Conner, WA 98257.
Share Your Memories
It's not too late to share your stories!
Schedule a short appointment at the Skagit County Historical Museum to record your memories with museum volunteers, who will ask simple questions about what you remember about Northern State Hospital and make a recording. Even short recollections are welcome.
To make an appointment, call the Skagit Historical Museum at (360) 466-3365.
Bring Your Artifacts
Have an object or item connected to the hospital? Museum volunteers would like to take photos of your artifacts. Bring your item to share, and take it home with you again. Or consider donating your artifact to the museum, so it may be preserved for all to enjoy.
For more information on artifact photographing or donation, call the Skagit Historical Museum at (360) 466-3365.
Scan Your Photos
Have photos of Northern State Hospital from years gone by? We'd love to see them! Museum volunteers will carefully scan your photos, record the story behind them, and return them to you.
Watch this site for future online collection displays.
Take a Self-Guided Tour
Wondering what the buildings were used for? For Public History Days, Northern State Researcher A. Muia authored a 28-page Hub Drive walking tour booklet in full color, including the history and function of the buildings, historical highlights, patient voices, interior and exterior photographs, a campus map, and more.
Walking tour booklets are on sale at the Sedro-Woolley Museum and the Skagit County Historical Museum for $5.00.
Volunteer
The museums are always looking for volunteers!
Become a docent, greet guests, help work on displays, and assist with special events. Contact Ann Skupniewitz-Maroney at the Skagit County Historical Museum (360-466-3365, annm@co.skagit.wa.us), or Sharon Howe at the Sedro-Woolley Museum (360-855-2390).