The following documents and websites are great resources for historic preservation information.
- National vs. Local Register (PDF)
- Research the history of your home (PDF)
- Special Valuation Application (PDF) and Rehabilitation Cost Affidavit (PDF)
- Downtown District
- Waterfront Planning
The Bellingham Library Local History Collection is a special collection of library materials relating to the history of Whatcom County. Topics include: logging, Lummi Indians, railroads, and the Pacific American Fisheries. Books found in the Local History collection may be checked out by Bellingham and Whatcom County library card holders.
The Whatcom Museum Photo Archives will provide you with a wealth of information pertaining to both the Museum of Art and History, and the Children’s Museum.
The Center for Pacific Northwest Studies website includes a collection of private papers, organizational and institutional records documenting economic, social, cultural and political trends significant to the Pacific Northwest.
The Washington State Archives (NW Branch) is located on the Western Washington University campus and provides archival and records management services to local government agencies throughout Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties. The website has access to many of the services and provides a link to view local government records as well as birth and death records from 1891-1907, marriage records, court records, land records, property tax records, and much more.
The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is Washington State’s primary agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation. The website provides a wealth of information on historic preservation and a peek at Washington’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources.
The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation was established in 1976 and works diligently with those citizens that would like to renovate an historic home, have concerns about endangered buildings in their community, or participate with a nonprofit organization that works to save local landmarks.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is interested in saving places that matter to all of us across the county, as well as provide necessary support to local preservation groups and entire communities that are fighting to preserve the places that tell the stories of our history. The website provides many stories of the work they have done and are currently doing to preserve history across America.
The National Register of Historic Places website provides the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.
The Preservation Directory website is the online resource for historic preservation, building restoration and cultural resource management in the United Sates and Canada.
