The Historic Trust

Founding of the Vancouver Barracks
2025-03-27 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Join the Vancouver Barracks Military Association for an exploration of the personalities of the first officers who founded and commanded the Vancouver Barracks. These include John S. Hatheway, Theodore Talbot, William Wing Loring, and Rufus Ingalls. The talk will also feature early drawings of the original barracks buildings, dating to the early 1850s.
Register for this free program at jddavis@rocketmail.com
Photo Credit: National Archives

Blowin' In the Wind: Songs and Stories of Bob Dylan: A Musical History Performance
2025-04-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Providence Academy Chapel, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Musician and historian Joel Underwood brings a special performance to the acoustically and visually stunning Providence Academy Chapel, featuring the music and history of America’s most influential songwriter: Bob Dylan. Come sing along with Dylan favorites, such as “The Times, They Are A’Changin’,” and yell out the eternal question, “How does it feel?” and hear stories of the Nobel Prize‐winner’s early years in Minnesota and New York, including what really happened the fateful night he “went electric” in Newport.
General Admission Tickets are $12 each in advance (includes all taxes & fees).
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Please note, general admission seating in Providence Academy Chapel pews will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time).
If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $15 each.

UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men In Black
2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
On August 1, 1947, the tragic crash of a B-25 bomber in Washington State triggered an FBI investigation of “The Maury Island Incident”—an infamous Northwest UFO sighting, and history’s first alleged encounter with the so-called “Men in Black.”
The FBI’s records from 1947, which were sealed for decades, reveal Cold War fears, jurisdictional disputes, cover-ups, false confessions, a courageous FBI Special Agent, and the hands-on involvement of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Relying on the FBI records, this talk exposes a Washington story that shapes our current UFO narratives, from 1950’s pulp magazines to the ubiquitous X-Files and Men in Black film franchises. Also examined: how the Northwest’s unique position in UFO history is challenged by others that assert contradictory narratives.
Steve Edmiston (he/him) is a business and entertainment lawyer with Bracepoint Law, and an indie film screenwriter and producer. Edmiston has keynoted for the Pacific Northwest History Conference, Washington State Historical Museum, McMenamins History Pubs, film festivals, conferences, and business groups. He was the screenwriter and co-producer of “The Maury Island Incident,” a short film chronicling the true story of Harold Dahl and his alleged 1947 sighting of a UFO over Puget Sound.
Edmiston lives in Des Moines.
This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot HERE.
Thank you to Humanities WA for their support in bringing this event to Vancouver. Special thanks to the NAACP Vancouver for joining us as our promotional partner for the 2025 series of speaker events. We appreciate you!

Driving to Victory: The U.S. Army Jeep
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
During World War II, the United States and its allies fought over all kinds of terrain. The Willys-Overland 1/4-ton cargo vehicle, commonly known as the Jeep, transported the troops over all kinds of difficult terrain, from frozen mountains, to open plains, to swollen rivers. Jason Samples of the Vancouver Barracks Military Association will display his historic Jeep and other World War II artifacts on April 24 at the Howard House. Samples, who spent several years in U.S. Army as a tanker, owns a number of historic vehicles, and he and his family are active in early twentieth century military reenactments.
To register for this FREE event, email to: jddavis@rocketmail.com .

Secret Spaces Three-House Tour: Marshall House, Grant House, and O.O. Howard House
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00
SOLD OUT! Tickets will NOT be sold at the door
The Historic Trust’s Secret Spaces Tour will give participants a unique peek into typically unseen parts of three Officers Row homes: the Marshall House, Grant House, and O. O. Howard House.
Your tour stop at each house begins at the top of the hour with a 10 to 15 minute seated educational session, providing historical and architectural background information about the spaces you are about to see. Highlights in each location include:
Marshall House

The Historic Trust’s Director of Historic Preservation, Holly Chamberlain, will provide the historical and architectural overview
Access the turret via the attic for a beautiful view and photo opportunity
Visit private offices on the second floor

Grant House

Local historian Jeff Davis will be in character as President Ulysses S. Grant circa 1879 with a living history presentation about Grant’s life and time at Vancouver Barracks, and points of interest about the house
Enjoy the view and get a special close-up look at the exterior portion of this log cabin from the 2nd floor balcony
Browse the entire 2nd floor including the large over-kitchen banquet room

O. O. Howard House

Julie Garver, who was project manager for the City of Vancouver’s rehabilitation of the house in the late 1990s, will give a presentation about the house and the unique challenges tackled during its restoration
Check out the ornate fireplaces and architectural details that adorn what are currently private offices
Learn more about General Howard’s life & time at Vancouver Barracks, and get a great view when visiting the attic

IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: many of these spaces are only accessible by stairs. Please read the “Building Accessibility” information below to determine if this tour is right for you and your companions, if you are purchasing multiple tickets. All participants must be at least 12 years of age.
Ticket price includes all taxes and fees. Tickets are available in advance only.
To purchase tickets, select the house for the start of your three-house tour below. Every tour will be the same, the only difference is your starting point. Ticket sales will end at 5pm PDT Friday, May 2, 2025. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door.
BUY TICKETS: Start At Marshall House
BUY TICKETS: Start At Grant House
BUY TICKETS: Start At O.O. Howard House
SECRET SPACES TOUR – BUILDING ACCESSIBLITY
These “Secret Spaces” tours are providing access to areas that are generally off-limits to the public, and are not fully accessible. Please use the following building descriptions to determine whether these tours are right for you. Please let us know ahead of time if you have specific questions about accessibility.
Marshall House (MH):
South side (Main) entrance is accessible by stairs. North (rear) entrance (with wheelchair accessible signage) is accessible via ramp. There is one accessible bathroom on the main floor. There is a chair lift available that provides access to the second floor. This tour includes a visit to the turret, which is only accessible by a narrow set of stairs to the attic from the second floor. No ASL provided.
Guests are welcome to remain on the main floor after the opening presentation to explore the rooms and additional resources about General Marshall. Volunteers and staff will be available to provide verbal interpretation of spaces on second floor and attic.
Grant House (GH):
South side (Main) entrance is accessible by stairs. North (rear entrance) is accessible via a ramp to the back door. There is one accessible bathroom on the main floor. The second floor is only accessible by stairs. No ASL provided.
Guests are welcome to remain on the main floor after the opening presentation to explore additional resources about President Grant and visit the downstairs rooms. Volunteers and staff will be available to provide verbal interpretation of spaces on second floor.
O.O. Howard House (OOHH):
South side (Main) entrance is accessible by stairs. West entrance by employee parking lot is accessible without stairs. There is an elevator in the Howard House that provides access to the second floor. The attic is accessed via stairs only. The main floor has ADA accessible restrooms. No ASL provided.
Guests are welcome to explore the main floor and second floor via elevator. Volunteers and staff will be available to provide verbal interpretation of the attic space.
We are grateful to Halbert Construction Services and Umpqua Bank for their support of The Historic Trust’s Preservation Month programming.

What Style is It? The Historic Architecture of Washington State
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
May is National Historic Preservation Month! Join long-time State Architectural Historian Michael Houser for an engaging presentation on the rich architectural history of Vancouver and surrounding communities in a statewide context. Learn from this Vancouver native about architectural styles and residential designs from the 1870s to the 1970s, with a particular emphasis on Officers Row.
Houser holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and an MS in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. We are grateful to him for traveling from Olympia for this program.
This program is presented in partnership with the Vancouver Barracks Military Association (VBMA).
Photo caption: The Queen Anne-style Marshall House built in 1886 on Officers Row
Photo credit: Robert Holcomb
Register for this free program HERE.
Seating is limited, so make your reservation today!
We are grateful to Halbert Construction Services and Umpqua Bank for their support of The Historic Trust’s Preservation Month programming.

Secret Spaces Tour: Post Hospital
2025-05-31 10:00 - 11:00
SOLD OUT! Tickets will NOT be sold at the door

Have you seen the large brick building situated right next to the freeway as you were driving through downtown Vancouver on I-5, and wondered what’s inside? Now is your chance to see for yourself!
The Historic Trust is pleased to offer this unique tour in honor of Preservation Month!
The Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour will give participants a chance to step back in time and imagine the rooms of this historic building in action. Built in 1903-1904, the Post Hospital was considered cutting-edge for its time, including being one of the first in the nation to have space purpose-built for taking and developing x-ray images.
Today, many of the building’s original structural features remain:

Tin ceiling tiles
Coved ceilings
Woodwork
Sun porches to support recovery of tuberculosis patients

With access to explore spaces on all four floors, you’ll get an exclusive peek inside this structure that has been off-limits to the public for decades.
Your one-hour experience begins across the street from the Post Hospital at the Red Cross Building with a brief 10 to 15 minute seated educational session by The Historic Trust’s Director of Historic Preservation, Holly Chamberlain, sharing historical and architectural background information about changes the building has seen over time, and about the spaces you’ll get to explore.
This building is not open to the public! Your time in the hospital will not be guided. Most spaces will be open for you to walk through or look into, so you can see the building at your own pace within the allotted time frame (10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Notable spaces include the large open wards for enlisted men and officers, sections of the first and second floor porches, the attic, and the basement.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: The Post Hospital is only accessible by stairs, and movement between floors inside the building is via stairs only. Please read the “Building Accessibility” information below to determine if this tour is right for you and your companions, if you are purchasing multiple tickets. All participants must be at least 12 years of age. All participants must wear closed-toe flat shoes.
Ticket price includes all taxes and fees. Tickets are available in advance only.
To purchase tickets, click the BUY TICKETS link below. When on the ticket sales page, select your tour start time (10:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.) by clicking the drop-down menu under “Choose a Date.”

SECRET SPACES TOUR – BUILDING ACCESSIBLITY
This “Secret Spaces” tour includes areas that are generally off-limits to the public and are not fully accessible. Please use the following building description to determine whether this tour is right for you. Please let us know ahead of time if you have specific questions about accessibility.
Post Hospital Tour
The Post Hospital is currently only utilized by The Historic Trust staff and is not open to the public. It is being opened for this special “Secret Spaces” tour only. The building is only accessible by stairs, and movement between floors within the building is via stairs only. There are no accessibility accommodations in place. No ASL provided.
Guests are welcome to purchase tickets to enjoy the brief (10-15 minute) opening presentation about the Post Hospital, which will be held in the Red Cross Building (RCB) and forego exploration of the Post Hospital building requiring mobility. The Red Cross Building is accessible via a ramp on the east side of the building with access from the north. There are accessible restrooms on the main floor.
We are grateful to Halbert Construction Services and Umpqua Bank for their support of The Historic Trust’s Preservation Month programming.

Ne Plus Ultra Jass at Providence Academy
2025-06-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-05 19:00 - 21:00
Come to dance or just to listen at the historic Academy Ballroom!
Since 2016, The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra has been delighting audiences with the music of the roaring 20s and Depression era 30s.
Under the leadership of master showman Sammuel Murry-Hawkins, the ensemble transports audiences to the golden age of Hot Jazz and Sweet Dance Music, specializing in the tunes of Cab Calloway, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin.
Guaranteed to delight and put a pep in your step!
To make the event accessible to all, ticket prices are set at $16. Tickets are available at the door or on line at The Historic Music Preservation Project.

Culture & Heritage Series: Summer Solstice Celebration
2025-06-20 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Join us as we welcome the longest day of the year with connection and celebration! Enjoy solstice-themed poetry and spoken word, gentle yoga, sound meditation and a fun craft activity, as we usher in the summer season. FREE event. Open to all. Bring along a mat if you plan on joining yoga.
Rain or shine, the celebration goes on! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the festivities indoors—same great energy, just under a roof.
Celebration Schedule:
5:30 pm – informal gathering together; work on craft activity
6:00 pm 6:45 pm – poetry reading
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm- yoga on the lawn closing with a sound meditation
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – craft activity
Poetry presented by:
Christopher Luna

Featured Poets:
Eric Fair-Layman
Brittany Mishra
Jennifer Pratt-Walter
Yoga with:

Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
Port of Vancouver
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Culture & Heritage Series: Craft Day
2025-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Artillery Barracks, 600 E Hatheway, Vancouver, Washington, 98661
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day of creativity!
Join us for a FREE INDOOR community craft day designed for kids, parents, and caregivers of all ages. No experience necessary—just bring your imagination! Take home something you’ve created.
Try your hand at a variety of craft activities including:

origami (well-suited for children 8+) with Holly Williams
puppet making with Dragon Theater

Drop in and get creative with us!
Thank you to our sponsors
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
Port of Vancouver
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

SOLD OUT! Officers Row Trees Walking Tour
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Start at: Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, 98661
Join City of Vancouver Urban Forestry staff for a walking tour to learn more about the many species of trees along Officers Row. Historic Trust Director of Historic Preservation Holly Chamberlain will share information about the history and architecture of the late 19th century Army residences at the former Vancouver Barracks and stories about the people who lived in them. You will learn about the role trees play in the environment and meet a Vancouver Heritage Tree in person!
The 20 tourgoers will meet at the Howard House at 750 Anderson St. and walk east down Evergreen. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget those comfortable shoes. Register for this free program HERE.

See the Historic Vancouver Barracks in 3D!
2025-06-26 18:30 - 20:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Major Jeff Davis (US Army, retired) will be discussing and sharing stereoscopic images taken at Vancouver Barracks in the 1870s and 1880s by visiting photographers documenting the people and places where they lived. The technique of combining photographs to create a 3-dimensional effect, or stereoscopy, dates to 1838. In the decades before moving pictures and television, people spent many evenings looking at large collections of stereoscopic images in their own homes. These collections frequently focused on architecture and events in faraway lands.
Major Davis grew up around the Vancouver Barracks, where both he and his father served. He also served in Italy, Japan, Korea, and at Ft. Lewis, Washington. He deployed to Bosnia and twice to southwest Asia for Operation Enduring Freedom. A credentialed military historian, he has written several books and papers on World War II, the Global War on Terrorism, and life at the Vancouver Barracks.
The program is free, but seating is limited. Please register at jddavis@rocketmail.com.
Photo: Grant House, courtesy of Major Davis

Summer Concert Series: The Big Bossa Quartet
2025-06-27 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Free music concert! Enjoy an evening of great music with Big Bossa Quartet! Big Bossa brings cool jazz with a flavor of Latin and blues thrown in creating an amazing musical experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long week under the shady trees of the O.O. Howard House lawn located on Officers Row.
Grab a bite to eat from one of our vendors, including local favorites Razo’s Tacos, Kali Kantina and Smashed Cheese. Cool off with treats from Kona Ice and A Cherry on Top. Be sure and visit our 21 and over beer garden and enjoy an ice-cold hard citrus from Ruzzo!
What to Bring:
Picnic blanket or low-backed chair
Valid ID for 21+ beverage purchases
Friends and family for a fun evening
Visit www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar for information on all our summer events!

Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
Ruzzo
City of Vancouver

Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway
2025-07-11 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
A perfect blend of country vibes, classic rock energy, and everything in between, Huckle Buck Highway brings their high-energy stage show to the O.O. Howard House on Officers Row!
Drawing inspiration from legends like Merle Haggard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Black Crowes, and ZZ Top, they bring a setlist that truly has something for everyone. The band’s impressive pedigree includes members who have shared stages with iconic acts such as LeAnn Rimes, Brooks & Dunn, Joe Walsh, Hal Ketchum, and Pat Benatar, to name a few.
FREE concert! Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Grab a bite to eat from food truck favorite Smashed Cheese. Cool off with treats from Kona Ice and A Cherry on Top. Be sure and visit our 21 and over beer garden and enjoy an ice-cold hard citrus from Ruzzo!
What to Bring

Picnic blanket or low-backed chair for relaxing on the shady lawn
Valid ID for 21+ beverage purchases
Friends and family for a fun evening

Visit www.thehistorictrust.org/summer-2025 for information on all of our summer events!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
Ruzzo
City of Vancouver

Culture & Heritage Series: Day of Dance
2025-07-12 11:00 - 15:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Join a vibrant celebration of tradition, artistic expression, and community while enjoying a day of dance! Celebrate the variety of cultural traditions present in our community as these groups share their talent, heritage and joy with us. There is even opportunities for a little audience participation!
FREE event! Sweet treats available for purchase from Kona Ice and A Cherry on Top.
Performance Schedule:
11:10 am – 11:45 am Southwest Washington Scottish Country Dancers
12 pm – 12:40 pm Sarada Kala Nilayam
12:55 pm – 1:25 pm Anavai O Te Ora, an ‘Ori Tahiti dance group with a special performance from a Junior Fireknife performer
1:40 pm – 2:10 pm Vancouver Ballet Folklorico
2:25 pm – 3:00 pm Bridgetown Morris
What to Bring

Picnic blanket or low-backed chair for relaxing on the shady lawn
Water and thermos/bottle
Friends and family for a day of dance fun!

Visit www.thehistorictrust.org/summer-2025 for information on all of our summer events!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
Port of Vancouver
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Family Series: Family Fun Day
2025-07-26 11:00 - 15:00 | Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver, 98661, United States
Join us for a day of excitement, laugher and family fun! It’s a fantastic way to spend time together making unforgettable memories while enjoying the shady Grant House lawn. Parents can relax with great food and community vibes while kids explore a world of fun. Bring along a picnic blanket for ultimate relaxing. FREE event! Open to all.
Highlights Include:

Kids stage entertainment (schedule below)
Yard games
Face painting
Food trucks, including Razo’s Tacos and Kona Ice

Performance Schedule:
11 am – Angel Ocasio
12 pm – Red Yarn
1 pm – Mo Phillips
2 pm – Lucky Luke, Magician
The historic Marshall House will be open 11am-3pm for Saturday tours as well. Schedule a tour time in advance or drop in to learn more about this incredible Officers Row landmark, and the Nobel Peace Prize-winning man it is named after!
Reserve Tour Here
FREE parking location map here!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Riverview Bank
Elmer’s Restaurants
Quantum Fiber
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Family Series: Pet Portraits Presented by Quantum Fiber
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Critters of all kinds are invited to put their best paws forward for a free photo session at Pet Portraits presented by Quantum Fiber on Saturday, August 2 from 9am to 1pm, part of The Historic Trust’s Summer Family Series presented by Riverview Bank. Skilled pet portrait photographer Robert Holcomb will capture pets’ poses with a professional portrait backdrop and provide free downloads from the Pass Gallery landing page post-event, courtesy of our generous sponsor, Quantum Fiber. Guarantee your spot by registering for a free portrait session time slot. Grab your morning coffee from the fabulous Cafecito Coffee Co.
REGISTER HERE
Reservations are expected to fill quickly! A limited number of walk-up photo opportunities may be available on a standby basis, as time allows.
Didn’t get a reservation? Stop by anyway for fantastic freebies—including take-home treat boxes from Quantum Fiber and pup cups courtesy of Occuscreen—and enjoy fun programming like a K9 meet & greet at 9 AM and a working K9 demonstration at 10 AM! Plus, lots of fun educational sessions led by West Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
Activity Schedule:
9:00am Vancouver Police Department (VPD) K9 Meet & Greet
Sergeant Ryan Starbuck and K9 Tex
Officer Sean Suarez and K9 Midas
Officer Jason Haigwood and K9 Remi
Officer Katherine Grose and K9 Red and
Sergeant Kyle Day of Washougal PD and K9 Cassius
9:30am – Enrichment Ideas for Dogs
10:00am – VPD K9 Demonstration
10:30am – Joey the Pitbull Story Time
11:00am – Adoption: Preparing Your Home for a New Pet
11:30am – Adoption: Decompression and Transition
12:00pm – What To Do When You Find a Stray Animal
12:30pm – The Language of Animals: Learning to Listen Differently Through Animal Communication
Thank you to our sponsors!
Riverview Bank
Quantum Fiber
Elmer’s Restaurants
Occuscreen
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Summer Concert Series: LaRhonda Steele
2025-08-15 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Often hailed as “The First Lady of Portland Blues,” LaRhonda Steele is a celebrated gospel, blues, and soul singer whose powerful voice and deep-rooted musical heritage have made her a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest music scene. Born in Spencer, Oklahoma, she began singing in church at age 13 and was directing choirs by 15. Her early exposure to traditional Black gospel music, influenced by her evangelist grandfather and her mother’s gospel quartet, laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to music.
FREE concert! Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Vendors include local favorites Smashed Cheese and Kali Kantina. Cool off with treats from Kona Ice and A Cherry on Top. Be sure and visit our 21 and over beer garden and enjoy an ice-cold hard citrus from Ruzzo!
What to Bring

Picnic blanket or low-backed chair for relaxing on the shady lawn
Valid ID for 21+ beverage purchases
Friends and family for a fun evening

Visit www.thehistorictrust.org/summer-2025 for information on all of our summer events!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
Ruzzo
City of Vancouver

Family Series: Puppet Day
2025-08-16 11:00 - 13:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Step into a world of imagination and wonder at our Children’s Puppet Show! Families are invited to gather on the O.O. Howard House lawn for a delightful afternoon of storytelling, laughter, and puppet adventure. Our puppeteers will bring characters to life with engaging tales that captivate young audiences and spark creativity. FREE event!
Event Schedule:
11:00 am – Dragon Theater presents Dungeons & Decisions
12:00 pm – Pegasus Theater presents Stellaluna
Delicious tacos available from 4 Caminos. Sweet treats available from Kona Ice, Nachos Dessert & A Cherry on Top
What to bring:

Picnic blanket or low-back chair
Water and thermos/bottle
Entire family for puppet magic!

Thank you to our sponsors!
Riverview Bank
Elmer’s Restaurants
Quantum Fiber
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Family Series: Play Day with Columbia Play Project
2025-08-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Artillery Barracks, 600 E Hatheway, Vancouver, Washington, 98661
Join the Columbia Play Project and The Historic Trust for a fun-filled day designed to spark imagination, creativity, and joyful learning. Families and children of all ages are invited to explore this amazing mobile pop-up children’s museum featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive activities, and playful learning experiences that celebrate the power of play.
The fun will take place on the front lawn of the historic Artillery Barracks at the Fort Vancouver National Site in Vancouver!

Thank you to our sponsors!
Riverview Bank
Elmer’s Restaurants
Quantum Fiber
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

Summer Concert Series: Exit 52
2025-09-12 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
End-of-Summer Celebration! Close out the season with the electrifying sounds of Exit 52! This high-energy dance band will keep you moving with a crowd-pleasing mix of rock, funk, pop, blues, and disco—there’s something for everyone.
FREE Outdoor ConcertRelax under the evening sky and enjoy incredible live music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Delicious Eats & TreatsSavor tasty bites from Razo’s Tacos and Smashed Cheese, plus cool down with sweet treats from Kona Ice and Cafecito Coffee Co.
21+ Beer GardenKick back with an ice-cold Ruzzo Hard Citrus or your favorite brew (valid ID required).
What to Bring
Picnic blanket or low-backed chair for lawn seating
Valid ID for 21+ beverages
Friends and family for an unforgettable night of music and fun
Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
Ruzzo
City of Vancouver

Have You No Sense of Decency? Shame in American Politics
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
From the use of pillories and stocks in colonial America to the rise of “cancel culture,” use of shame as a weapon has a long history in the United States. And it has been used to mixed effect in the political arena when used to target politicians and their supporters.
Professor Carolyn Long examines the rise of shamelessness in American politics and the use of shame against those with whom we disagree. When shame is used to demonize others, does it contribute to political polarization? Are shame and shamelessness equally destructive to our politics and society? Can shame be used effectively in politics without demonizing the person being shamed? And if this is the case, how can we fix this and improve our political discourse?
Thursday, September 18, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Red Cross Building
605 Barnes St., Vancouver
Part of the Humanities WA Speakers Series presented by Hawthorn Senior Living

Speaker Bio
Carolyn Long (she/her) is an associate professor at Washington State University Vancouver’s School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs. Her research focuses on American politics, policy, and law. She is the author of Mapp v. Ohio: Guarding Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures, and Religious Freedom and Indian Rights: The Case of Oregon v. Smith, and the recipient of two Fulbright Scholar Awards. She was the Democratic nominee for the Third Congressional District in 2018 and 2020.
Long lives in Vancouver.
This talk is presented in partnership with The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs, and is based at Washington State University. For more information, visit The Foley Institute’s website.
This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot HERE.
Thank you to Humanities WA for their support in bringing this event to Vancouver. Special thanks to the NAACP Vancouver for joining us as our promotional partner for our 2025 series of speaker events.

Culture and Heritage Series: Drum Day
2025-09-20 11:00 - 15:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Drum Day is a vibrant and rhythmic celebration showcasing traditional drumming practices representing various cultural traditions. The air will be filled with the sounds of traditional drums during this lively community event. The event concludes with a community drum circle. Everyone is invited to join. We’ll gather on the front lawn of the O.O. Howard House. Bring along a picnic blanket or low-back chair and your hand drum!
Event Schedule:
11 am – 11:30 am – David Durosier, Haitian Folklore Drumming
Haitian Dance Drumming
11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Hough Foundation
Hough Foundation – Partners In Education
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Cowlitz Tribe
Home | The Cowlitz Indian Tribe
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Community Drum Circle
Thank you to our sponsors!
Quantum Fiber
Waste Connections
Port of Vancouver
The Columbian
Oregonian Media Group/Here is Oregon
City of Vancouver

The Trickster: How this Ancient Archetype Helps Us to Imagine a Better World
2025-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
What do Loki, Banksy, Bugs Bunny, Thelonious Monk, Mae West, Yoko Ono, Raven, Eshù Elégba, and Muhammad Ali all have in common? Whether deity or human, all bring Trickster magic to our world.
The Trickster, a character who animates and enlivens humanity’s oldest stories, is frequently misunderstood. Wander and wonder with author Shepherd Siegel through the paradoxes, art, tricks, backfires, pranks, pratfalls, and messianic acts that together form this indestructible component of our collective psyche. From that common ground, we’ll share our own personal encounters with tricksterism and come to an understanding of how the journey from moral indeterminacy to moral discovery can inspire us to imagine and create a better world.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Red Cross Building
605 Barnes St., Vancouver
Part of the Humanities WA Speakers Series presented by Hawthorn Senior Living

Shepherd Siegel (he/him) is an author and activist. He started off as a professional rock and jazz musician before becoming a teacher for incarcerated youth and students with disabilities. He earned his doctorate at University of California, Berkeley, with studies in anthropology and special education. His recent books, Disruptive Play and Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love (a Bronze Winner for an INDIES Book of the Year Award and Silver winner of a CIPA Evvy), explore the Trickster in politics and culture.
Siegel lives in Seattle.
This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot HERE.
Thank you to Humanities WA for their support in bringing this event to Vancouver. Special thanks to the NAACP Vancouver for joining us as our promotional partner for our 2025 series of speaker events.

SOLD OUT! Officers Row Tree Tour
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Join City of Vancouver Urban Forestry staff for a walking tour to learn more about the many species of trees along Officers Row. Historic Trust Director of Historic Preservation Holly Chamberlain will share information about the history and architecture of the late 19th century Army residences at the former Vancouver Barracks and stories about the people who lived in them. You will learn about the role trees play in the environment and meet a Vancouver Heritage Tree in person!
The 20 tourgoers will meet at the O.O. Howard House at 750 Anderson St. and walk east down Evergreen. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget those comfortable shoes.
Please reserve your spot HERE

SOLD OUT! Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour
2025-10-25 09:30 - 13:00
Have you seen the large brick building situated right next to the freeway as you were driving through downtown Vancouver on I-5, and wondered what’s inside?
The Historic Trust is pleased to offer you the opportunity to see for yourself!
The Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour will give participants a chance to step back in time and imagine the rooms of this historic building in action. Built in 1903-1904, the Post Hospital was considered cutting-edge for its time, including being one of the first in the nation to have space purpose-built for taking and developing x-ray images.
Today, many of the building’s original structural features remain:

Tin ceiling tiles
Coved ceilings
Woodwork
Sun porches to support recovery of tuberculosis patients

With access to explore spaces on all four floors, you’ll get an exclusive peek inside this structure that has been off-limits to the public for decades.
Your 1.5-hour experience begins across the street from the Post Hospital at the Red Cross Building with a brief 10 to 15 minute seated educational session. The Historic Trust’s Director of Historic Preservation, Holly Chamberlain, will provide historical and architectural background information about changes the building has seen over time, and about the spaces you’ll get to explore. Your time in the hospital will not be guided. Most spaces will be open for you to walk through or look into, so you can see the building at your own pace within the allotted time frame.
Two tour times will be offered:
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person (price includes any applicable taxes and fees) and are only available for purchase in advance while supplies last.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: The Post Hospital is only accessible by stairs, and movement between floors inside the building is via stairs only. Please read the “Building Accessibility” information below to determine if this tour is right for you and your companions, if you are purchasing multiple tickets. All participants must be at least 12 years of age. All participants must wear closed-toe flat shoes.
To purchase tickets, click the BUY TICKETS link below. When on the ticket sales page, select your tour start time (9:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.) by clicking the drop-down menu under “Choose a Date.”
NOTE: Tickets go on sale at 9 am, Friday, October 3, 2025
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
SECRET SPACES TOUR – BUILDING ACCESSIBLITY
This “Secret Spaces” tour includes areas that are generally off-limits to the public and are not fully accessible. Please use the following building description to determine whether this tour is right for you. Please let us know ahead of time if you have specific questions about accessibility: 360.992.1800 or info@thehistorictrust.org.
Post Hospital Tour
The Post Hospital is currently only utilized by The Historic Trust staff and is not open to the public. It is being opened for this special “Secret Spaces” tour only. The building is only accessible by stairs, and movement between floors within the building is via stairs only. There are no accessibility accommodations in place. No ASL provided.
Guests are welcome to purchase tickets to enjoy the brief (10-15 minute) opening presentation about the Post Hospital, which will be held in the Red Cross Building (RCB) and forego exploration of the Post Hospital building requiring mobility. The Red Cross Building is accessible via a ramp on the east side of the building with access from the north. There are accessible restrooms on the main floor.
This event is a fundraiser for The Historic Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Proceeds from ticket sales support its mission to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.
Supporting Sponsor:

SOLD OUT! Woody Guthrie: A Musical History Performance by Joel Underwood
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Providence Academy Chapel, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
**This event is sold out! No waiting list and no standby ticket sales at door
Musician, historian, and storyteller Joel Underwood returns to Vancouver for a very special two-act performance (with intermission) about the life and music of folksinger and activist Woodie Guthrie.
Guthrie composed 26 songs in 30 days while riding along the Columbia River and touring the Grand Coulee Dam Project in 1941. With his unique, authentic voice, he chronicled both the grandeur and the perils of what he called “The Greatest Thing That Man Has Ever Done” as an employee of the Bonneville Power Administration. His time here in the Pacific Northwest inspired a swell of patriotism that led Guthrie to enlist in the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, after which he returned home to fame and notoriety, but also to tragedy and tremendous personal loss.
This interactive musical history performance will have you singing along to “Roll on Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and of course, “This Land is Your Land,” and learning the—sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic—stories behind the songs.
Tickets are $18 in advance and include any applicable taxes and fees. Space is limited and tickets may sell out prior to the event. If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.
General admission seating in Providence Academy Chapel pews will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot (the Aeon Apartments parking lot is NOT available for event parking).
This event is a fundraiser for The Historic Trust, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Proceeds from ticket sales support its mission to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history.

Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade
2025-11-11 11:00 - 13:00
37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day ParadeTuesday, November 11, 2025 • 11:00 a.m.Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, Washington
Join us in honoring our nation’s heroes at the 37th Annual Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade—a cherished community tradition held rain or shine at the historic Fort Vancouver National Site. This event pays tribute to veterans from all branches of service and celebrates the spirit of community and gratitude that defines the day.
This free public event features more than 75 entries, including veterans’ organizations, military vehicles, marching bands, ROTC units, equestrian groups, and youth organizations.
The parade route begins at Evergreen Blvd. & E. Reserve Street (east end of Officers Row) and winds through the Fort Vancouver National Site, ending near Pearson Air Museum.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) Veterans Day Open House, happening 11 a.m.– 3 p.m. at Pearson Air Museum.
What to Expect:
Patriotic displays, music, and tributes
A family-friendly atmosphere filled with community pride
Parking:
Free parking, multiple locations – see map below. Accessible parking located on the west side of the O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson Street – see map below.

Flag Sponsor

Salmon Creek Post 176

Supporting Sponsor

With Thanks To
