Historic Tours
Our tours are an opportunity to dive into local history by visiting buildings and a curated site that have been with us for more than a century. Explore the Marshall House and Providence Academy guided by expert docents, or take a leisurely stroll through The Historic Reserve and explore the landscape with our Self-Guided Botanical Tour map. For questions or large group inquiries please contact 360-992-1800.
Providence Academy Tours
Providence Academy was built by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873 and served as a school, orphanage, and governance offices for the Sisters of Providence. Mother Joseph, along with four other Montreal nuns, traveled to Vancouver to serve the social and religious needs of locals. Providence Academy has four stories and is constructed in brick in a neo-Georgian style. It operated as a school until 1966. The Academy is open for tours on Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by reservation or for small walk-in groups, and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on select Friday evenings in March, April, and May of 2024.
Marshall House Tours
The Marshall House is named in honor of General George C. Marshall, who lived there from 1936 to 1938, serving as Commander of the Barracks and the regional Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This home’s Queen Anne architecture serves a striking example of late 19th century American architecture, with ornate features including stained glass, decorative woodwork, and a round turret. The museum-like setting features period furnishings, military memorabilia, and an interpretation of Marshall’s study. Walk-in tours are available Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select Saturdays in 2024.
Self-Guided Botanical Tour
Trees and other botanical features are signature landscape elements contributing to the experience of visiting and living and working at the 366-acre Vancouver National Historic Reserve (VNHR), created by an act of Congress in 1996. The Botanical Tour Map was produced in part with funding from the City of Vancouver Lodging Tax Grant Program and with the assistance of the City of Vancouver Urban Forestry Program. The Historic Trust thanks them for their support for the project. The Historic Reserve grounds are open for self-guided tours, and you may print our botanical tour map.
The Historic Trust and the City of Vancouver are grateful for grant funding from the Heritage Capital Projects program managed by the Washington State Historical Society. This support has contributed significantly towards the preservation, public usage, and community enjoyment of these buildings which help tell the story of our state.
