These records include 1405 photographs collected by the Port of Bellingham from 1890 to 1999, with the bulk from 1940 to 1980. The photographs were assembled by the Port of Bellingham to document various projects and events throughout its history. The photographs were originally donated to the Whatcom Museum located in Bellingham, Washington, and were subsequently donated to the Washington State Archives Northwest Regional Branch also located in Bellingham.

The Port of Bellingham is located in Whatcom County and was established by popular vote on September 14, 1920. With great support from local business leaders, as well as Whatcom County residents, the mission of the Port was to facilitate the development of transportation infrastructure and economic development in and around Bellingham and Whatcom County. It is governed by a three-person, non-partisan elected Board of Commissioners.

Early Port business included the approval of requests to dredge in Bellingham Bay, the building of dockage, warehouses, and storage facilities for deep sea vessels, and the approval of leases for harbor areas. Over time, the Port and its development projects supported growth in canning, shipping, timber, and other local industries. As of 2014, the Port of Bellingham had grown to include the Bellingham International Airport, properties in Bellingham and Blaine, as well as the Bellingham waterfront and the properties that formerly housed the Georgia Pacific and Intalco Aluminum plants.

Learn about the documentation of photographs in Washington and what information is found in the various record types by selecting the tab that says "About this Collection" here.