Local authors to discuss Fairhaven's early history, including 1889 population boom, at WWU April 15

Local authors Brian Griffin and Neelie Nelson will discuss their research process and use of archival resources for their book “My Darling Anna” in a lecture titled “My Darling Anna: A Tale of Archives and Discovery” at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 15 at the Goltz-Murray Archives Building on Western Washington University’s campus.

The event, which is sponsored by The Washington State Archives and WWU Libraries, is free and open to the public.

“This will be an inspiring and enjoyable presentation for history enthusiasts and any individuals curious to embark on their own research,” said Center for Pacific Northwest Studies Archivist Ruth Steele.

Light refreshments will be provided.

“My Darling Anna” celebrates Fairhaven’s early history during the population boom when the population grew from 150 people in 1889 to almost 7,000 people a year later. The book contains over 200 historic images and letters by William R. Gray, one of the Mason Block’s first tenants.

The authors used a variety of archives and historical records in the research and writing of “My Darling Anna,” beginning with the local discovery of historic letters that became the heart of their work.

Copies of “My Darling Anna” are available at Village Books, the Greenhouse, Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher building, WWU Bookstore and will also be on sale at the event.

Limited parking will be available in Lot 33G, opposite the entrance to the Archives Building, at the corner of Bill McDonald Parkway and 25th Street.

For more information, contact Steele at (360) 650-7747 or ruth.steele@wwu.edu.

The Center for Pacific Northwest Studies seeks to enhance public and scholarly understanding of the region’s past and present through expansion of its archival holdings, public programming, and publications. The Center’s collections include private papers, organizational and institutional records documenting economic, social, cultural and political trends significant to the Pacific Northwest.