Start Your Research Here

The 60,000+ artifacts in our collection represent the largest, most comprehensive historical record of the Tri-Cities available anywhere. In addition to using these items for displays and exhibits, our staff draws on them to assist community members with research projects.

If you are interested in researching a local history topic, individual or business – or if you are looking for historical photographs – download our Research Request Form. Return it to us with as much detail as possible and we’ll make every effort to help you.

Past Perfect Online for Tri-Cities Historical Museum

Past Perfect Online is a searchable, online database of our photograph and postcard collection. We currently have about 4,500 of our 12,000 image records available for browsing and research based on the local history topics that are most requested.

It is our goal to eventually have our entire collection of over 60,000 items accessible online and available for research from the comfort of your own home. As we work toward this goal, please browse and search our photographs and postcards dating as far back as the late 1800s!

If you have any questions or are looking for a specific photograph not featured on Past Perfect Online, please fill out a research and photograph request form and we will do everything we can to help you. Visit our Past Perfect Collection.