Cultural Resources

Snohomish County supports a vibrant arts, culture, and historic preservation program of work that contributes to community and economic development. The Office of Economic Development works to promote arts and culture offerings available within the county; pursue policy and programming that supports the arts; promote preservation of the county’s historic resources; and strengthen the role of historic preservation in local planning and community revitalization.

Arts and Culture

In Snohomish County, we are proud of our arts and heritage identity. We believe in fostering these cultural characteristics because it contributes to a healthy and vibrant place and enhances economic development.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages two volunteer appointed commissions that collectively advocate for cultural offerings.  These commissions advise on policy and programming that benefits and strengthens County communities and contributes to neighborhood revitalization.

Snohomish County Arts Commission: The commission meets monthly, and its active committees work with staff to implement County Percent for Art programs. Commissioners participate in a range of cultural opportunities that celebrate the diverse arts and culture of the County, and; provide an on-line resource to connecting the public with local artists and arts organizations, events and artist job postings.

Snohomish County Historic Preservation Commission: The Historic Preservation Commission is an advisory board that serves as the design review for special tax valuation, a state tax incentive for rehabilitation of historic properties. This nine-member board also coordinates a yearly grant program to assist in the collection, preservation and interpretation of the county’s heritage by offering matching grant funds to historic organizations and develops interpretive programming to connect citizens with local history.

History and Historic Preservation

Centennial Trail History Walk: The official Snohomish County Centennial Trail website presents information on the rich history of this 29-mile former rail line connecting communities from the City of Snohomish to north of Bryant.

Centennial Farms: Information on Snohomish County’s Centennial Farms program, which honors farms that have been in constant production and under the same family ownership for 100 years or more.