Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us
-The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) will host a community celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring the opening of its new Moments That Made Us exhibit alongside the grand opening of the new Vancouver Visitor Center, located in the museum lobby. The free event will take place at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Blue Crew, officially dedicating the Vancouver Visitor Center. Developed in partnership with Visit Vancouver USA and the Vancouver Downtown Association, the new visitor center addresses the longstanding need for a dedicated visitor information hub in Clark County.
Following a multi-month renovation, the museum’s lobby now features a centralized welcome desk and a dedicated space highlighting businesses and attractions throughout Downtown Vancouver and Uptown Village. Staff and volunteers will provide visitors with personalized recommendations, maps, and information about local dining, shopping, and unique regional experiences.
The visitor center is organized around three key themes:
– Sips & Bites – Showcasing local restaurants, cafés, breweries, bars, and eateries.
– Makers, Merchants & More – Highlighting boutiques, artisans, craftspeople, mercantiles, cooperatives, and locally owned businesses.
– Play & Discover – Featuring entertainment, festivals, workshops, outdoor recreation, fitness opportunities, and other experiences throughout the region.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Courtney Irvin Foundation, whose investment helped create a welcoming space for both residents and visitors.
The event also marks the opening of Moments That Made Us, CCHM’s contribution to a multistate initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The exhibition invites communities across the country to reflect not only on the people and events that shaped the nation, but also on the local stories that brought America’s founding ideals to life.
Working with local organizations and community partners, the Clark County Historical Museum has incorporated stories from throughout Clark County, ensuring the region’s history is represented within the broader American narrative.
Community members, visitors, and members of the media are invited to attend this day of celebration, history, and discovery.
Event Details
Exhibit Opening & Vancouver Visitor Center Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660 Admission: Free