For 50 years, the Lynden Heritage Museum has been more than a museum, it has been the keeper of our community’s story.
​It exists because, five decades ago, a passionate group of volunteers, generous donors, and the City of Lynden shared a vision: to preserve the rich history of Lynden, Washington, and Whatcom County so that future generations could understand where they came from and appreciate the people, places, and events that shaped this community.
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Today, that mission is at risk.
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The Lynden Heritage Museum is facing one of the most difficult chapters in its history. A combination of significant, unexpected funding cuts from the City of Lynden and the devastating financial impact of the November 2025 fire has left the museum in an extremely fragile position. While insurance helped cover portions of the recovery, many restoration costs and damages were not covered, forcing the museum to use the reserves and operating funds that had taken years to build.
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At the same time, rising insurance premiums, increasing utility costs, and the everyday expenses of operating a museum continue to place tremendous strain on our already limited resources.
We have made painful decisions to stretch every dollar as far as possible. Staff positions have been eliminated, including the museum curator and collections manager—roles that are absolutely vital to the care, preservation, and daily operation of the museum’s collections. Museum hours have been reduced from seven days a week to just three, and nearly all non-essential spending has been cut. These measures were necessary, but they are no longer enough to ensure the museum’s future.​
Today, we are humbly asking for your help.
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Every donation, regardless of size, directly supports the day-to-day operations that keep the museum’s doors open. Your generosity helps preserve priceless artifacts, protect our collections, welcome schoolchildren on educational visits, provide meaningful experiences for local families and visitors, and ensure that the stories of the Nooksack people, early pioneers, hardworking farmers, local businesses, and community leaders—including Phoebe Judson, the “Mother of Lynden”—continue to be shared for generations to come.
The Lynden Heritage Museum is more than a building filled with artifacts. It is a place where children discover history for the first time, families reconnect with their roots, and visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the people and events that helped shape our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Once these stories, collections, and opportunities are lost, they cannot easily be replaced.
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For fifty years, this community has invested in preserving its history. Today, we ask you to help ensure that this legacy continues.
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Your gift is an investment in preserving our shared heritage and ensuring that the Lynden Heritage Museum remains a place of education, inspiration, and community pride for generations yet to come.​