History Center’s “Moving the Mail” exhibit at Forks Library through May 30

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 28, 2026

Forks, WA – Explore the history of the postal service on the North Olympic Peninsula in the traveling exhibit “Moving the Mail,” presented by the North Olympic History Center. The exhibit is on display at the Forks Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., now through May 30. Visitors can also browse and check out a selection of related books.

The exhibit traces the evolution of mail delivery across the Peninsula, where more than 70 different post offices operated in Clallam County over the years. Mail was often the only link with the outside world in many remote communities. As populations shifted and new technologies developed, the speed and method of mail delivery changed from the coastal deliveries of the Mosquito fleet and Tribal canoes to wagon roads and eventually rail and air. Learn about these fascinating stories in “Moving the Mail.”

Earlier this month, the exhibit was displayed at the Clallam Bay Library, where local residents and school groups visited. “On the first day of the exhibit in Clallam Bay, kids headed straight to the display after school and were very excited to learn about mail service history and point out locations on the map,” said Troi Gale Velasquez, West End Library Manager. “Exhibits like this bring enrichment to our rural communities.”

The exhibit will also travel to the Sequim Museum in July, then will open at the Port Angeles Main Library on Aug. 28 with a Humanities Washington presentation, remaining on display through Oct. 17.

The “Moving the Mail” exhibit was created with the support of a Clallam County Heritage Advisory Board grant. It is being shared at libraries in partnership with the North Olympic Library System.

For more information and to check library hours, visit NOLS.org, call 360-374-6402 or email discover@nols.org.

Learn more about the North Olympic History Center at northolympichistory.org or by calling 360-452-2662.