Monroe Historical Archives
Connecting our past
Exploring the History of Monroe, Washington
Visit Us
207 East Main Street
Monroe, Washington
Hours: 12 - 3 pm
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Our Collections
Photographs, maps, cemetery records, audio recordings, and so much more!
Our Stories
Go beyond the bare facts of Monroe's history. Real stories about real people.
Our Mission
The Monroe Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Monroe and to inspire an appreciation of its heritage.
Monroe Historical Archives is a project of the Monroe Historical Society, an all-volunteer organization founded in 1976. The Society opened its museum in 1982 in Monroe’s original two-story City Hall building at 207 East Main Street. As well as a wide-ranging collection of local historical artifacts, the museum maintains a variety of local history resources available, with some restrictions, to society members and to the public.
Photo Archives
Over 3,000 photographs covering Monroe’s entire history.
Museum Artifacts
We preserve, catalog and research objects for use in our exhibits and educational programs. Free admission.
Yearbooks
The Monroe Historical Society has over 30 yearbooks in PDF format, and we’re continuing to collect more.
Documents
Original diaries, letters, documents, ledgers, maps, daybooks, genealogies, photographs, drawings, other related materials.
Maps
Maps are an important part of history, ranging from original homestead lines to modern aerial photographs and parcel lines.
Newspaper
Monroe’s primary newspaper, the Monroe Monitor, began publication in 1899 and is still in print. The archives includes issues through 1979.
Audio / Video
Recorded interviews pertaining to a wide range of topics in a variety of formats.
Stories
This list represents a small sampling of the stories collected by and available through the Monroe Historical Society.
Six-horse team hauling logs on a skid road
Monroe Historical Society #4
Reviews
Visitor Comments
This is a “must see”. My girls and I have been coming by since they were little and they’re now college graduates!
Sandy B.It was really interesting, looking at all the cool stuff and pictures in here.
CrystalThis is full of wonderful displays!
Emily D.My great-grandpa built this building and he’d be proud of what’s been done.
Craig T.So many interesting things and photos. I can’t believe I haven’t been in here before!
Karl W.Thanks for the help in researching Elsie Carver, John Thompson and Monroe Steam Laundry.
Judy T.