Local News

Historic photos wanted for heritage project
Cathlamet Library, recipient of a Washington Rural Heritage grant, will partner with Wahkiakum County Historical Society to digitize several hundred historically significant items, primarily photos, of Wahkiakum County history in order to add them to Washington State Library’s Rural Heritage collection. Project completion date is September 2010.
Washington Rural Heritage documents the early culture, industry, and community life of rural areas throughout Washington. A large number of rural public libraries and heritage institutions in Washington are in possession of unique, irreplaceable materials highlighting the history of their communities. In the majority of instances, these institutions lack resources to make their history widely available to the public. The grant ensures preservation of these priceless items for future generations as well as online access by anyone, anywhere at any time.
As part of the project, individuals and other organizations in possession of historic family or other photos are invited to submit them as part of the Wahkiakum County collection. Original photos, including negatives and slides, will be returned to the owner after scanning. If desired, the owner can donate originals or copies of the originals to Wahkiakum County Historical Society after they have been scanned for the collection. Contributors may also request a CD of the photos they contributed.
To view the Washington Rural Heritage site go to http://wrh.statelib.lib.wa.us/.
Those interested in helping preserve Wahkiakum County’s history through sharing old photos can contact either Connie Christopher at Cathlamet Library (795-3254) or John Dees, Wahkiakum County Historical Society (795-0550) with questions or for additional information. The deadline for submitting photos is November 1.