Exhibit Opening: This Is Our Legacy – The 80th Anniversary of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B
April 11 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm PDT
The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, “This Is Our Legacy”, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Vancouver Branch 1139-B. Created in partnership with the NAACP Vancouver, this milestone exhibit shares the community’s stories in their own words and on their own terms. It highlights the significant contributions and lasting impact of Vancouver’s Black community, tracing the work of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B in advocating for racial justice, equity, and community empowerment over the past eight decades.
Exhibit Launch and Opening Reception
Join us for the grand opening of “This Is Our Legacy” on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660. This special event is free and open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to be among the first to experience this powerful exhibit.
Exploring the Exhibit
Visitors to “This Is Our Legacy” will embark on a journey through the struggles, victories, and ongoing efforts for racial equity led by the NAACP Vancouver. The exhibit delves into the branch’s history from its founding in April 1945 by a small group of dedicated individuals to its present-day initiatives.
Key features of the exhibit include:
Early Housing Struggles – Discover the challenges Vancouver’s Black community faced in securing fair housing and the persistent fight for equitable living conditions.
Landmark Civil Rights Achievements – Learn about the pivotal moments and victories led by NAACP Vancouver that have shaped the local community.
Youth Empowerment Through ACT-SO – Explore how the branch’s ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) program continues to provide mentorship and recognition to Black youth in the community.
Bringing together a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and engaging displays, the exhibit offers an in-depth reflection on the history and ongoing work of NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B in the fight for civil rights.
A Special Thanks to Our Supporters
This important exhibit was made possible through the generous support of the City of Vancouver Culture, Arts, and Heritage Commission, the Washington State Historical Society Diversity in Local History Grant, and the Divine Consign Grant.