The
Nisqually Plains Collection, located in Mortvedt Library,
is a depository of multiple dimensions of Pacific Northwest
History, but particularly for Western Washington. Research
materials are collected in areas that have deep historical
roots in both large and small regional communities. These
areas include town and city sites, family generations, economic
traditions, transportation forms, social and recreational
customs, and changing historical eras. Historical information
is also collected on special community identities such as
military bases, national parks, Indian reservations, and longtime
highway junctions.
The purpose of the collection is to serve regional studies
associated with university history courses, seminars, internships,
other academic disciplines, as well as individual research
interests. The collection complements other collections in
the university library by providing historical background
for specific studies. In addition, the collection serves as
a sponsor of public and private projects that seek to enhance
community awareness and appreciation of the history of local
public schools, churches, municipal ports, biographies, and
photo history.
