Whatcom Museum of History and Art (WMHA)

The Whatcom Museum of History and Art (WMHA) was established in 1968. It is a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation, collection, exhibition, and interpretation of the historic American Art and the regional history. There are a variety of history and art exhibits in the museum. These exhibits include displays of woodworking tools, Victorian clothing, toys, etc.

The WMHA is located in the old City Hall building. The latter is a historic structure built in 1893. This red brick, Victorian era building also houses the Syre Education Center, Whatcom Children’s Museum, and the Arco Exhibits. The children’s museum offers hands-on educational facility for young children, which helps them to explore the social, natural, and cultural environment of Northwest Washington.

The WMHA also sponsors several natural history shows, art exhibits, and fund-raising events. Various gallery walks, history and art lessons for local schools, walking tours of the historic buildings of the city, and historic cruises on Bellingham Bay are also sponsored by the museum. Thus, being an active community organization, it sponsors many other similar workshops and events through its campus. Lectures on the history of the Whatcom County are given to students, visitors, and children by the exceptionally knowledgeable Whatcom Museum's staff.

The building was renovated in the year 1999. The renovation included work on the rebuilding of roofs, work on the housing for the elevator, and repair of the cupolas. The interior was redone, and was given a modern gallery look with doors and paneling made of imported hardwoods. At present, the first floor of the Whatcom Museum of History and Art houses the local natural-history exhibits; the second floor displays contemporary art; and the third floor retains a permanent display of Victorian clothing, toys, and woodworking. On the other hand, the Arco Building also displays the changing art and history exhibits.

• Address: 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
• Telephone: (360) 676-6981
• Hours: Tue - Sun, 12 - 5 PM; closed most major holidays
  
• Website: www.cob.org/museum.htm