Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy
2026-01-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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.

Vancouver Venues & Vendors Open House
2026-02-01 12:00 - 15:00 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
✨ Planning a wedding or special event? Start here! ✨
Hosted by The Historic Trust, the Vancouver Venues & Vendors Open House takes place on Sunday, February 1st at the historic Red Cross Building. This free, come-and-go event is your chance to tour a stunning downtown venue, virtually preview four additional Historic Trust venues, and connect with trusted local vendors all in one afternoon.
Whether you’re newly engaged, planning a big bash, or still gathering ideas, you’ll leave inspired, informed, and one step closer to your dream event.
Guests who attend, sign in, and book their event by February 28th will receive 10% off the venue rental rate at any Historic Trust venue.
Meet and connect with an incredible group of local event professionals, including:
📸 Missy Fant Photography @missyfantphoto
💐 Floral Sunshine @floralsunshinepdx
🍽️ Say Ciao! @sayciao1
🥂 Tipsy Chicks @tipsychicksbartending
📋 Elle & Co. Events + Bar @ellebeautyandevents
🤵 The WaitStaff Team, Inc. @thewaitstaffteam2014
☕ Bluum Coffee @bluumcoffee
🏨 Homewood Suites by Hilton Vancouver–Portland @hwsvancouver
📍 The Red Cross Building | 605 Barnes St., Vancouver, WA 98661
🕛 12–3 PM
🎟 Free entry
Bonus: The first 15 attendees receive a wedding survival bag!
For more information, please contact Mary McCammon, Event Facilities Manager at The Historic Trust, at mary.mccammon@thehistorictrust.org or 360-992-1839.
Please see map below for parking information.

SOLD OUT! All Over The Map: Stories Behind the Names of Washington Places and Things
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
How did your town get its name? What about your neighborhood school? Or that locally made candy bar? In this talk, get the big picture of how names were given to geographic places in Washington, as well as to iconic local brands, and how those names can reflect deeper, and sometimes challenging, meanings. Explore how names often evolve to better connect us to place and to our neighbors.
Speaker Feliks Banel has worked in history and media since the 1990s. He served as deputy director of MOHAI; and has produced Edward R. Murrow Award-winning radio and podcasts and Emmy-winning TV about local history. Feliks 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.

Historic Trust Speakers Series presented by University Village

Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy
2026-03-06 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-01 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.
Some of the public areas in our buildings may not be fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Please call in advance for more specific information: 360-992-1800.

SOLD OUT! Paul Hayden Kirk and Midcentury Modern NW Architecture
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:00
Discover one of the key figures in Pacific Northwest modernism, who overcame polio as a child and reputational damage during the Red Scare to become the most influential architect our region has yet to produce.
In the mid-20th Century, our state was slow to adopt the modern architectural trends flooding Europe, the East Coast, and California. But smartly, Paul Hayden Kirk blended the clean look of modernism with our region’s tradition of building with wood, and crisp lines with Japanese and Native American influences. This talk explores Kirk’s life, along with examples of his work, to paint a portrait of a true Northwest innovator.
Speaker Dale Kutzera is the author of Paul Hayden Kirk and the Rise of Northwest Modern, the first monograph on the father of mid-century design in the Pacific Northwest. Kutzera has spent his life largely in the arts sector and entertainment industry.
Dale 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.
Part of the Humanities WA Speakers Series presented by University Village.

SOLD OUT! Move It On Over: Stories and Songs of Hank Williams, a musical history performance by Joel Underwood
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Historic Trust is excited to welcome music historian, folksinger, and storyteller Joel Underwood to Vancouver for a special performance, Move It on Over: Stories and Songs of Hank Williams, in the stunning Providence Academy Chapel.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Underwood and his guitar vividly bring to life one of America’s most influential musical voices. Set against the backdrop of New Year’s Eve, 1952—when a frail yet determined 29-year-old Hank Williams embarked on a fateful journey from Alabama to Ohio—the performance moves between Williams’ formative years and the mystery surrounding his untimely death. This compelling two-act, one-man show features ten beloved songs while thoughtfully exploring themes of addiction, fame, and generational trauma.
Returning to Vancouver after wowing audiences with his performances celebrating Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Underwood delivers a heartfelt tribute filled with warmth, wit, and authenticity. Along the way, he performs classics such as “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey Good Lookin’,” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” inviting audiences to sing along, reminisce, and reflect. Move It on Over captures both the spirit of Hank Williams and the enduring soul of American country music in a way that is deeply personal and profoundly moving.
Ticket Information:
Ticket price is $18 and includes all applicable taxes and fees. Seating is general admission in Providence Academy Chapel pews and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot; please note that the Aeon Apartments parking lot is not available for event parking.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.
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.
Some of the public areas in our buildings may not be fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Please call in advance for more specific information: 360-992-1800.

An Evening of French-Inspired Music at Providence Academy
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Celebrate music, history, and place with a special performance by Eric John Kaiser at the historic Providence Academy.
Set within the beautifully preserved chapel built in the late 1800s by Mother Joseph and the Sisters of Providence, this concert offers a memorable evening in one of the region’s most important landmarks. As we gather in April—Mother Joseph’s birthday month—we also honor her enduring legacy. Her French-Canadian roots and pioneering spirit helped shape Providence Academy and countless institutions across the Pacific Northwest, making this setting an especially fitting backdrop for the evening.
Eric John Kaiser, an award-winning singer-songwriter known for his engaging blend of Americana, folk, and French-influenced music, brings thoughtful lyrics, rich melodies, and a warm, conversational style that invites audiences in. His work bridges cultures and stories, echoing the French-Canadian heritage that Mother Joseph carried with her to the Northwest.
Join us for a birthday-month tribute filled with music in a space shaped by history—and still inspiring today.
Ticket Information:
Ticket price is $18 and includes all applicable taxes and fees. Seating is general admission in Providence Academy Chapel pews and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes prior to performance start time). Free parking is available in the Providence Academy lot; please note that the Aeon Apartments parking lot is not available for event parking.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
If available, tickets will be sold at the door for $25 each.
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.
Some of the public areas in our buildings may not be fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Please call in advance for more specific information: 360-992-1800.

General Thomas Anderson at Vancouver Barracks
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
Register today and join us for an engaging presentation on one of Vancouver Barracks’ most influential commanders!
Ohio native and Civil War veteran General Thomas M. Anderson (1836-1917) commanded the 14th Infantry at Vancouver Barracks from 1886-1898. As one of the longer-serving commanders, he, and also his family, became active in the community as well as at the post. Presenter Jeff Davis (Major, U.S. Army, Ret.) will talk about Anderson’s service in the context of the larger history of Vancouver Barracks. Anderson’s family had long-time association with this area as he was a grand-nephew of William Clark of the Corps of Discovery, and his namesake son also served at Vancouver Barracks. The desk Anderson used while serving in Vancouver was donated to the Clark County Historical Museum and is on display at the Howard House.
Our speaker, Jeff Davis, is an archaeologist and was active with the Vancouver Barracks Military Association for many years. A native of Vancouver where his Army father was based, Davis joined the Army Reserve out of high school and served for many years around the world, and also at Vancouver Barracks. He has authored and contributed to many books and other publications on military and Northwest history and is a frequent public speaker and tour guide.
This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot HERE.
Part of the Humanities WA Speakers Series presented by University Village.

Photo Caption: Anderson family and friends sitting on the front porch of the post commander’s home. The 1878 home is now called the Howard House after its first residents – General Oliver Otis Howard and his family.
Credit: Clark County Historical Museum

Secret Spaces Three-House Tour: Marshall House, Grant House, and O.O. Howard House
2026-05-02 09:00 - 12:00
The Historic Trust is excited to bring back Secret Spaces Tours for Preservation Month 2026!
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.
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TICKET INFORMATION
TICKET SALES for 2026 are now closed.
Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. Please join us May 30 for the Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour or check back next year.
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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. You may reach the main office at 360-992-1800.
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 and via ramp from the back of the house. 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.
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Thank you to our Preservation Month sponsor:

We are grateful to Halbert Construction Services for their support of The Historic Trust’s Preservation Month programming: Secret Spaces Three-House Tour, Secret Spaces Post Hospital Tour, and our presentation, Mid-Century Modern Vancouver, with State Architectural Historian Michael Houser.

Mid-Century Modern Vancouver - SOLD OUT
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
Thank you for registering. This event is now full!
Join us for an exploration of the architecture and history of mid-twentieth century Vancouver with State Architectural Historian Michael Houser. Learn about mid-century modern architectural styles, and the builders and designers who brought them to life. Houser will highlight several notable local designers including Day W. Hilborn, Donald Stewart, Keith Bradbury, and William D. Cassady.
Houser has served as the Architectural Historian for the State of Washington for more than 20 years, and has a long record of helping building owners and the general public understand and connect with the architecture and history of their communities. Currently he manages the State and National Register programs at the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia, as well as Washington’s unique Heritage Barn Program.
Houser helped heighten public awareness of post-WWII resources by establishing the “Nifty-from-the-Last 50 Initiative,” which has documented over 300 mid-century modern buildings across the state and continues to grow. Recent projects include writing biographies of architects and building designers who practiced around the state, and a study of the late 1950s nationwide Gold Medallion Home program, which promoted the use of residential electricity.
Vancouver native Houser holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and a Master of Science Degree in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. Previous jobs included working as the Historic Preservation Planner for Deschutes County, OR. Earlier experience includes time at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI and survey work for the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.

Registration is closed. The event is now full.

Photo Caption: Architect William Donald Cassady (1927-2021) designed the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (now ArtsHub) in 1963. Credit: City of Vancouver
