In an effort to enhance the Lopez Island Historical Society and Museum's mission "to collect, preserve, share and interpret local history among island residents and visitors in order to increase awareness and fond appreciation of the resource for the educational benefit of this and future generations," the Lopez Island Library collaborated with the museum to make this valuable resource available to the world through a joint digital project funded by a grant through the Washington State Library.

A century ago, Lopez Island was divided into three major communities: Richardson, Lopez, and Port Stanley. The library is now housed in one of the four original school houses built in the late 19th century. The photographs in this collection are windows into an earlier time in the Lopez Island farming and fishing community. Enjoy the view!

Lopez Island Heritage is a project of Washington Rural Heritage, a collection of historically significant materials residing in cultural institutions and private collections throughout Washington State. The collection includes photographs, documents, and artifacts which tell the stories of Washington's small and rural communities.

The people of Lopez created the Lopez Library to provide resources and services for the enrichment of their cultural and recreational lives, and to provide information for daily living and decision making. The library is pleased to collaborate with the community to utilize technology to enhance the cultural heritage of the island.