This collection includes images taken between 1946 and 1974 and collected by the Port of Olympia Commissioners. The majority of these images are aerial photographs, and include the Port and City of Olympia, Tumwater, and the Olympia Regional Airport.

The entirety of this collection has not been digitized, and the remaining portion contains photographs of port officials, employees, special events, Shelton harbor, ships, and cargo.

The Port of Olympia is located in Thurston County and was formed by public vote on November 7, 1922. It is a municipal corporation governed by three elected commissioners who set policies and objectives. Each commissioner represents a district within Thurston County and serves a four-year term. The commissioners appoint the Port’s executive director, who is responsible for the ongoing management of the Port’s enterprises and facilities.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the Port of Olympia expanded into air transportation with the purchase of the Olympia Airport (now Olympia Regional Airport). The Port owns and operates an international shipping terminal, a marina and boatworks, a regional airport, and a real estate division. Export products include logs, wind energy equipment and project cargo.

Learn about the documentation of photographs in Washington and what information is found in the various record types by selecting the tab that says "About this Collection" here.