The Friends of Northwest History formed in 1946 as the Students of Northwest History by Oscar M. Waddell and Fay M. Orton. Waddell was the director of the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. They wanted to create an organization to "encourage public interest in the gallant background of the Evergreen state and the Inland Empire." They gathered to hear the stories of pioneers and go on field trips. The name was changed to Friends of Northwest History in 1957. In 1966, they changed their name again to "Washington Society of Northwest History." The last meeting of the group was held on March 21, 1969 when they decided to suspend meetings due to small attendance.
From the description of Friends of Northwest History records, 1895-1969, bulk: 1946-1966. (Spokane Public Library). WorldCat record id: 747258044
