The Historic Trust

Summer Concert Series: Michael John
2026-06-26 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
Described as an entertainer, musician, facilitator, and humorist…

Michael John has brought enjoyment to hundreds of thousands of audience participants all over the world! Whether as opening act for such notables as Jay Leno, Ray Charles and Louise Mandrell, featured entertainer at national venues and resorts or motivational facilitator for corporate, professional and civic events; Michael’s ability to captivate and motivate has consistently endeared him to his audiences.
Join us as we kick off our first outdoor concert of the season!
Relax under the evening sky and enjoy some summer sounds in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Delicious Eats & Treats
Delicious dinner options will include mouth-watering barbeque from C&J BBQ House, delicious cuisine from Normita’s, and for the pizza lovers, Brian’s Pizza Life will be slinging slices. And to keep you cool and satisfy that sweet tooth, Kona Ice will be nearby! 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

Family and Cultural Connections Series: Craft Day
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | 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 from 11am-3pm. Demonstrations from the Fort Vancouver Historic Weapons Program. Activities throughout the day will include yard games, food trucks, community booths, DJ, living history characters, and balloon artist and face painter.
Entertainment Schedule:
12:00 pm-12:30 pm
Pet Costume Contest REGISTRATION
(Leashed pets only; Owner responsible for cleanup and control of pet)
12:15 pm-12:20 pm
Mayor’s opening remarks
12:20 pm-12:45 pm
Vancouver Prayer Warriors – Native American Drum songs and opening ceremony
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.
2:15 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
Move in the Park: A League of Their Own

Food and Beverage
Vendors coming soon!

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 Walking Tree 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 will open on June 26 at 10am.

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
Dinner options will include mouth-watering barbeque from C&J BBQ House, fresh cuisine from Normita’s, and tasty tacos from Razo’s Tacos. We’ll have two 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
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?

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. Guarantee your spot by registering for a portrait session time slot. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to pets with reservations. We will try to accommodate walk-ins as time allows.
This is a free event, but registration is required.
Reservations will open Friday June 26 at 10am.

Event Schedule:

Coming soon!

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
