A place to call our own.
Our business anniversary is just around the corner. It's hard to believe that Marissa and I started this little operation this time nearly three years ago. We began with the idea that we'd share some stories about local history while dressed in costume. We worried that no one would show up, but we knew that at the very least we'd have fun.
Fast forward through three tour seasons, countless special events, and the filming of a documentary series, and you'll end up smack dab in the heart of downtown Bellingham, 217 West Holly Street: The new home for our business, The Bureau of Historical Investigation.
This past Saturday, February 1st, we celebrated our Grand Opening to dedicate our new home and DANG, it was a fun time. We raised just over $1,300 to help send our homegirl Sarah Goodin to a private audition in Miami to try out for The Voice, unveiled our collaboration with the fabulous Village Books, showcased the work of the talented Rifka MacDonald and Kelsey Shepard, introduced visitors to lovely local producers such as Evolve Hand Made Chocolate Truffles & Hammerhead Coffee, and shared our vision for our new home.
"Snow Fleet" curated installation by Kelsey Shepard & Rifka MacDonald. This cell phone photo really can't do this 10-foot-long display justice, so I recommend you come take a look for yourself!
It can be difficult to communicate what The Bureau of Historical Investigation is when we've been known as The Good Time Girls for so long, but local bloggers Ivy Haisell and Scot Casey really GOT us. If you haven't been in yet, I hope that their beautiful sentiments will help illuminate what this place is, and maybe inspire you to imagine where we're headed:
Scot Casey
Exterior, The Bureau of Historical Investigation. Photo by Scot Casey, http://bellinghamreviews.blogspot.com/
Walking into the Bureau is like stepping into a Bellingham Wunderkammer, a Living Cabinet of Historical Curiosities, filled with an elegant selection of art, jewelry, soaps, fragrances, books, prints, furniture, objects d'art and local curiosa. There is a lovely curated quality to everything - you sense each and every item was chosen with care and consideration to showcase only the most fascinating and interesting aspects of Bellingham. And everything is reasonably priced.
"Bureau of Historical Investigation Postcards. Note the Attention to Every Detail: Handwritten and Stamped Receipts." Photo by Scot Casey, http://bellinghamreviews.blogspot.com/
Ivy Haisell
From Beauty and the Feast.
Madame Scodioli products. Photo by Ivy Haisell, http://www.beautyandthefeast.ca/.
The little boutique is the type of store you would expect in Williamsburg, New York but is resoundingly proud of it's Bellingham heritage.
Take for example these wood handled rubber stamps (shown in the gallery below) that are available for sale. They were salvaged from a closed butcher shop in the area. It's evident that everything is curated for it's artistry and uniqueness.
Stamps, new and old. Photo by Ivy Haisell, http://www.beautyandthefeast.ca/
Postcard writing station (bunting by Emily Holodnick). Photo by Ivy Haisell, http://www.beautyandthefeast.ca/
xoxo,
sara