EVENTS
COMING SOON: 2026 NORTHERN STATE SUMMER EVENT DETAILS
Coming soon—details on the "For the Love of Northern State" event June 5-7, 2026 (sponsored by the Sedro-Woolley Museum) and "Public History Day" on July 25 (sponsored by the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Port of Skagit). You'll not want to miss these!
MORE NORTHERN STATE HISTORY EVENTS
TOPICS AT THE SCHOOL
Meet at Skagit City School, 17508 Moore Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Sponsored by the Skagit County Historical Museum
​
Sunday June 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm
The Decades of Northern State Hospital
​
When and why was Northern State Hospital established? What kind of patients lived there? What were the treatment methods of the day? Are stories of scandals true? And why did it close? Join Northern State Hospital researcher Amy Muia for this unique, informative, and respectful presentation as she shares vintage photos, stories, and the best of her research about Northern State through the decades, from opening to closing. Meets at Skagit City School.
​
Sunday July 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Northern State Hospital Cemetery Presentation
​
Join NSH researcher John Horne for this informative presentation on the Northern State Hospital cemetery. Who is buried there? Was this the original site? When did burials stop? And what's being done today to preserve this historic site, and honor the patients? Meets at Skagit City School.
​
Sunday August 14, 2026 at 2:00 pm
The Headliners of Northern State
​
Step into the headlines of history with Northern State Hospital researcher Amy Muia as she explores the most talked-about stories from the earliest days of the hospital in 1909 to its closing in 1973. Discover how news coverage reflected changing treatments and philosophies, uncover scandals both real and rumored, learn about notable patients and staff, and hear surprising stories that offer a rare glimpse into life at one of Washington's most renowned institutions. Meets at Skagit City School.
​​​​
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 6:00 pm
​CENTRAL SKAGIT LIBRARY, Sedro-Woolley
110 W State St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
The Headliners of Northern State
​​
Step into the headlines of history with Northern State Hospital researcher Amy Muia as she explores the most talked-about stories from the earliest days of the hospital in 1909 to its closing in 1973. Discover how news coverage reflected changing treatments and philosophies, uncover scandals both real and rumored, learn about notable patients and staff, and hear surprising stories that offer a rare glimpse into life at one of Washington's most renowned institutions.
FOR THE LOVE OF NORTHERN STATE 2025
FRIDAY JUNE 6 AND SATURDAY JUNE 7, 2025
A SEDRO-WOOLLEY MUSEUM EVENT
Join us on June 6th and 7th at the Sedro-Woolley Museum as we remember and celebrate the profound impact of Northern State Hospital on our community, honoring the many lives intertwined with its history.
Friday, June 6 at 6:30 PM :: The Northern State Cemetery
John Horne shares a special presentation on the full history of the Northern State Hospital Cemetery, and restoration plans to honor the people buried at this historic site.
Saturday, June 7 :: “The Headliners of Northern State”
11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
​
Step into the headlines of history with Northern State Hospital researcher Amy Muia as she explores the most talked-about stories from the hospital’s operation between 1910 and 1973. Discover how news coverage reflected changing treatments and philosophies, uncover scandals both real and rumored, learn about notable patients and staff, and hear surprising stories that offer a rare glimpse into life at one of Washington’s most mysterious institutions.
​
Saturday, June 7 from 2:30-3:30 :: Exhibit Open House
​
NSH researchers Amy Muia and John Horne will be in the Northern State exhibit at the Sedro-Woolley Museum for an open Q & A. Browse the exhibit, see the artifacts, read the history, and ask your questions!​
PUBLIC HISTORY DAY 2025
SAT JULY 26, 2025 | 9:30 AM-4:00 PM
SWIFT CENTER (NSH CAMPUS)
​The Port of Skagit County and the Skagit County Historical Museum are proud to present our fourth public history event at Northern State Hospital!
Hear from speakers who worked and lived at Northern State, learn the history, purchase books at the book table, take a self-guided outdoor walking tour, write a memory on the memorial wall, and more! This year, we'll again be offering a tour inside the Colman Ward for a limited number of participants. Ticket information below.
​Admission to Public History Day is free. Events meet outside the Colman building on the Northern State Campus. Public parking available. Except for the guided Colman tour, access to the inside of buildings is prohibited.​
2025 PUBLIC HISTORY DAY ​SPEAKER SCHEDULE
​​
Join us in the seats outside Colman Hall for our 2025 lineup of speakers.
​
10:00 am :: Port of Skagit - update on the SWIFT center
11:00 am :: Jo Wolfe, Skagit County Historical Museum - history of Northern State
12:00 pm :: Arne Eriksen, former NSH nurse
1:00 pm :: Ginny Darvill, former NSH student nurse
​EVENT PARKING
​Park along Hub Drive (head in), or in the parking lot to the east of the Hub/Chapel. Handicapped spaces available.
