The Historic Trust

Family and Cultural Connections Series: Craft Day
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Artillery Barracks, 600 E Hatheway, Vancouver, Washington, 98661
Explore your creativity at the Artillery Barracks
Craft Day is a free, family-friendly community craft event, offering hands-on creative activities for all ages. No experience necessary!
Samples from last year’s event:

Craft activities will include:

Basketry with the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild
Origami with Holly Williams
Puppet making with Dragon Theater
Lots of other fun craft activities

Bring your imagination and take home something you’ve created!

Thank you to our sponsors!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver USA
Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. – Waste collection, transfer & recycling services.
Elmer’s Restaurants | Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

America 250 Series presented by Xfinity: America 250 Celebration
2026-07-03 12:00 - 23:30 | Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Parade Grounds, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, 98661, United States
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
We invite you to join us as we celebrate a huge milestone on July 3. All across the nation, folks will be participating in fun events to mark the semiquincentennial…say that five times fast. That’s right, America is turning 250 years old, and it’s time to party! The Historic Trust is partnering with the City of Vancouver and the National Park Service to provide a festive day of fun family activities you won’t want to miss.
Festivities kick off at 12pm and will run all day! All park facilities – including the Visitor Center, Reconstructed Fort, and Pearson Air Museum – will be open from 9am-4pm with free admission. Free, docent-led Marshall House Tours will be available from 11am-3pm. The Fort Vancouver Historic Weapons Program will be providing demonstrations in the morning and the afternoon. Activities throughout the day will include yard games, food trucks, community booths, DJ, living history characters, and balloon artist + face painting!

Entertainment Schedule:
11:00 am
Historic Weapons Demonstration (located inside Fort Vancouver)
12:00 pm-12:30 pm
Pet Costume Contest REGISTRATION (walk-ins only) – Registration will be set up near the stage.
(Leashed pets only; Owner responsible for cleanup and control of pet)
12:30 pm-12:45 pm
Welcome
Mayor’s opening remarks
Blessing – Duana Ricks, Colville-Lakes Tribal Member, US Navy Veteran
12:45 pm-1:10 pm
Pet Costume Contest PERFORMANCE on stage
1:15 pm-2:00 pm
Vancouver Music Organization
The Vancouver Music Organization (VMO) is a non-profit dedicated to fostering inclusive, community-based music programs. They have a number of ensemble groups including Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Jazz Orchestra, Marching Band, and Chamber Groups.
2:00 pm
Historic Weapons Demonstration (located inside Fort Vancouver)
2:15 pm-3:00 pm
One of a Kind Drumline
Started in Fall of 2003, the One of a Kind Drumline is a leadership program based in Vancouver, WA helping middle school students use drumming to process emotions and navigate the ups and downs of life while having lots of fun in the process.
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Exit 52
Exit 52 is a popular West Coast cover band performing in the Southern Washington, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area. They play a wide variety of genres from rock, funk, pop, blues, to disco. You’ll be singing to your favorites-from The Eagles to Green Day, Jimi Hendrix to Jason Aldean-you won’t want to miss this energetic performance!
5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Pre-movie activities, including live DJ, games, and roaming entertainment
9:15 pm-11:30 pm
Movie in the Park: A League of Their Own (PG)

Food and Beverage
Food vendors will include mouth-watering barbeque from C&J BBQ House, and delicious tacos and Mexican fare from Normita’s Cuisine.
Beverage vendors will include coffee, espresso, and seasonal drinks from Bluum Coffee and ice-cold lemonade from Sourpuss Lemonade.
And it’s not a celebration without a little dessert! We’ll have ice cream from Eight Cow Creamery and shaved ice from Kona Ice to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Parking
Parking will be available in the small lot in front of the Marshall House on E. Evergreen Blvd., south of the Howard House in the large parking lot off Fort Vancouver Way, plus additional parking at the Clark Public Utilities building on the corner of Fort Vancouver Way and Mill Plain Blvd.
The small parking lot just south of the roundabout will be reserved for vendor and performer parking only.
C-TRAN routes #32 and #25 stop near the Howard House, just west of the Parade Grounds.

Thank you to our sponsors!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
Xfinity
Riverview Bank
Thompson Metal Fab, Inc.
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra at Providence Academy
2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us in the historic Academy Ballroom for a night of music and dancing!
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 provide an affordable experience, ticket prices are set at $16. Tickets are available at the door or online 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.

Officers Row Trees Walking Tour
2026-07-15 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 leafy walking tour to learn more about the characteristics of the many species of trees along Officers Row. Historic Trust Director of Historic Preservation Holly Chamberlain will share information about the history and late 19th century architecture of the former Vancouver Barracks, and stories about the people who lived on the Row. 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.
This is a free event, but registration is required. Registration is now open!

Summer Concert Series: Bottleneck Blues Band
2026-07-24 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Described as fresh, red-hot, and funky…
You’ll be moving and grooving to the hot summer beats! The Historic Trust is excited to host Bottleneck Blues Band this summer. They were “founded 14 years ago by Noah Bell and David Cushman, and over it’s lifetime has performed at 1000+ shows. In 2015, Bottleneck Blues Band was named Best New Blues Band by the Cascade Blues Association and nominated for Best CD of the Year Award and Best Traditional Blues Band for 2024, 2025, and 2026.” (Website Bio)
Delicious Eats & Treats
Food options will include tasty tacos from Razo’s Tacos and a couple dessert options to keep you cool: shaved ice from Kona Ice and ice cream from Ice Cream Cart Co. For those 21+, stop by our beer garden for a cold beer, wine, or hard cider.
What to Bring
You are welcome to pack a picnic or bring food in, but please no outside alcohol or drinks outside of the beer garden.
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!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver USA
Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. – Waste collection, transfer & recycling services.
Pacific Office Automation | Managed Print, IT & Cybersecurity
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

Family and Cultural Connections Series: Pet Portraits
2026-07-25 09:00 - 13:00 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Have you ever wanted a professional portrait of your pet?

Reservations are now closed. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to pets with reservations. We will try to accommodate walk-ins as time allows.
Now’s your chance! The Historic Trust is once again hosting this fan-favorite event.
Cuddly companions of all kinds are invited to put their best paws forward for a FREE photo session. Skilled photographer Robert Holcomb will capture pets’ poses with a professional portrait backdrop and provide free downloads from the Pass Gallery landing page after the event.
Whether you take a portrait or not, you are welcome to stop by and say hello to the Humane Society of Southwest Washington, watch the VPD K-9 Unit demo, or swing by and spin the prize wheel while your furry friend enjoys a tasty pup (or kitty!) cup, courtesy of Civilized Wolf!
10:00am-12:00pm
VPD K9 Sergeant Special Operations, Ryan Starbuck, will be on site with his K9 Tex

Thank you to our sponsors!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver USA
Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. – Waste collection, transfer & recycling services.
Elmer’s Restaurants | Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Civilized Wolf
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

Family and Cultural Connections Series: Family Fun Day
2026-08-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Grant House, 1101 Officers Row, Vancouver, 98661, United States
Family Fun Day
Everyone is invited to this community event on the Grant House lawn. Enjoy face painting, playing lawn games, meeting your neighbors, and savoring a cold drink while you relax in the shade. Take some time to play and enjoy a fun, summer day!
Performance Schedule:
11:00 am – Angel Ocasio
12:00 pm – Make Music w/ Matt
1:00 pm – John Stevens Magician
12:00 pm – Spencer Sprocket (roaming entertainment)

Historic Tours:
As part of America 250, August 8 is also Washington Museum Day! To honor this special day, Providence Academy AND Marshall House will both be open for tours from 11am – 3pm. These guided tours are free and run about 40-60 minutes. And tours can be tailored for younger age groups – don’t be afraid to ask for a child-friendly, shorter tour. History is for everyone! Come learn about Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart and how she traveled with a group of sisters around the continent to get here, and General George C. Marshall and his time here on Officers Row, plus the beauty and architecture of the Queen Anne-style home.

Food Vendors:
You are welcome and encouraged to bring snacks or a picnic lunch with you, but we’ll also have sweet treats on site from Ice Cream Cart Co. and SourPuss Lemonade.

Parking:
Parking will be available at all public lots along E. Evergreen Blvd. and Fort Vancouver Way, as well as the Clark Public Utilities building at the corner of Fort Vancouver Way and Mill Plain.

Thank you to our sponsors!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver USA
Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. – Waste collection, transfer & recycling services.
Elmer’s Restaurants | Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

2026 Summer Series Supporting Sponsors

Museum Day
2026-08-08 11:00 - 15:00 | The Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Join us as we celebrate Washington State Museum Day
Free tours at Providence Academy and Marshall House
To honor and celebrate America 250, Washington State is encouraging all Washingtonians to engage with their local history, arts, and culture as part of Washington State Museum Day.
The Historic Trust will open Providence Academy and Marshall House from 11am-3pm for free, docent-led tours. Come learn about these two unique destinations and the role they play in local and regional history in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, WWII, Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the Hidden family, or you’re just curious about that building you drive by on your way to work, there’s something for everyone!
Participants are welcome to stop by during open hours or make a reservation in advance.
Marshall House 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661
Make a Reservation – Marshall House
Providence Academy 400 E. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660
Make a Reservation – Providence Academy
Important Note: 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.
To find a list of participating museums in Clark County, or across the state, visit: Washington State Historical Society | America250 WA Events or Washington Museum Association

Summer Concert Series: Huckle Buck Highway
2026-08-21 17:30 - 20:30 | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Huckle Buck Highway
You may remember this rockin’ group from last summer! Huckle Buck Highway is returning to the Howard House for another energetic outdoor concert. This “high-energy country and classic rock band” reaches across time and genre to bring you some of your favorites from artists like Merle Haggard, Brooks & Dunn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, and more! Check out their promotional video to get a taste of their sound. We are happy to host this great group to close out our 2026 Summer Concert Series.

Delicious Eats & Treats
Food options will include tasty scoops from Ice Cream Cart Co. More food coming soon!
For those 21+, stop by our beer garden for a cold beer, wine, or hard cider.
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!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver USA
Waste Connections of Washington, Inc. – Waste collection, transfer & recycling services.
Pacific Office Automation | Managed Print, IT & Cybersecurity
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE

America 250 Series presented by Xfinity: Constitution Day
2026-09-17 16:00 - 20:00 | Artillery Barracks, 600 E Hatheway, Vancouver, Washington, 98661
Let’s celebrate democracy!
One of the founding documents of the United States of America – The Constitution – is “the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world.”
The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County are partnering on a free, multi-generational public civic engagement event highlighting the history of the Constitution and how it impacts everyday life in the United States. Planned activities include a panel discussion, a Constitution trivia game, and a craft table supplied with items for writing a personal constitution, including quill pens to try out.
Free pocket constitutions available to the first 100 people courtesy of Riverview Bank.

Funding is part of Grant No. 07 79 07797 awarded by United States Economic Development Administration and provided by the Industry Sector Development Program of the Washington State Department of Commerce. This grant program is administered by the Washington State Historical Society under contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Thank you to our sponsors!
City of Vancouver
Port of Vancouver
Waste Connections
Xfinity
Riverview Bank
Thompson Metal Fab, Inc.
The Columbian
The Oregonian – OREGONLIVE
