Clark County Historical Museum

CCHM Speaker Series: How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
CCHM Speaker Series Presents: How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery
The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to present the next installment of its Speaker Series, How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Clark County Historical Museum.
Since colonial times, religious and political divides have shaped how Americans discuss and interpret the history of slavery. From The New York Times’ 1619 Project to the Trump administration’s 1776 Report, competing visions of race and slavery reflect long-standing tensions between critiquing and celebrating America’s past.
In this timely and thought-provoking talk, attendees will explore the ongoing debates surrounding the history of slavery and how these conversations continue to influence education, politics, religion, and culture. The presentation will examine how struggles over historical memory extend beyond the classroom into the public sphere, revealing the central role these debates play in America’s fractured civic life and national identity.
The evening will feature guest speaker R. Charles Weller, PhD, Associate Professor of History (Career) at Washington State University and Senior Research Fellow at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Dr. Weller’s work focuses on religious-cultural identity and relations in Western-Asian and world history. He has published extensively in both English and Kazakh and is currently working on a multi-volume study examining how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic sacred law traditions have shaped American legal heritage. Dr. Weller resides in Redmond, Washington.
Admission to this program is free and open to the public. However, space is limited, and advance registration is required to ensure a seat. Register here.
This program is made possible with generous support from Humanities Washington, the Vancouver NAACP Branch 1139 – B, and the Historic Preservation Commission.

CCHM Speaker Series: Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties
2026-03-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA, 98607, United States
What do corsets, petticoats, bloomers, and modern foundations have in common?
They tell the story of women’s lives, liberties, and changing roles in society.
Join the Clark County Historical Museum for Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties, an engaging and entertaining Speaker Series presentation that explores how fashion has both restricted and liberated the female body over time.
From garments designed to constrain movement to innovations that prioritize comfort and freedom, women’s undergarments have long reflected society’s expectations around modesty, beauty, and independence. Blending humor with historical insight, this talk “pulls back the layers” to reveal how intimate apparel mirrors broader movements for gender equality and social change.
The program is presented by Diane Johnston, a theatrical costume designer with more than 35 years of experience creating costumes for productions throughout the region. Johnston holds an MFA in costume design and is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. Register here.
This program is made possible with generous support from Humanities Washington, the Camas Public Library, and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission.

Vancouver’s Poet: The Life and Works of Mary Barnard
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 98661
Discover Vancouver poet Mary Barnard with historian Betty Bell; her modernist poetry, ties to Ezra Pound, and famed translations of Sappho.

Join us for an inspiring evening with local literary historian Betty Bell as she partners with the Clark County Historical Museum to share the remarkable story of Vancouver poet Mary Barnard for our Speaker Series.
From her early years exploring the forests and beaches of the Pacific Northwest to her studies at Reed College and her time in New York City’s literary circles, Barnard developed a distinctive voice in 20th century modernist poetry. Betty Bell, personal friend and literary executor for Barnard, will guide us through Barnard’s life, her connections with literary figures such as Ezra Pound, and her lasting contributions to the literary world, including her celebrated translation of Sappho, which remains a classic today.
Attendees will also enjoy readings from Barnard’s work, highlighting the vivid imagery and precise language that made her a treasured figure in American poetry. Through Bell’s engaging storytelling, you will discover the personal and professional journey of a writer whose quiet brilliance left a lasting legacy in Vancouver and beyond.
This installment of the Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series will be presented at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center with generous media sponsorship from The Columbian.
Cost: Free (Registration Required. Register HERE)
Location:
Fort Vancouver Visitor Center
1501 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
