Clark County Historical Museum

#CCHMuseum closed for private event
2022-06-02 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Clark County Historical Museum is closed for a private event on June 2, 2022.

Virtual night at the Museum
2022-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Have you ever wanted to explore the unseen and restricted depths of a museum? Search through history-lined shelves for the unique and, at times, strange remnants of our past? Found a desire to peek behind the curtain into the spaces where only a few can go? If so, join us for a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum and local historic sites. “A Virtual Night at the Museum” fundraising program will provide a glimpse into the creation of our pop-up exhibits, let you explore fashion through the years with a peek at clothing from our collection, and give you a private viewing of unseen places at Kiggins Theatre, Schofield Building, and Donegan Building (formerly Lucky Loans).
As part of the program, our virtual tour-goers will have the opportunity to bid on exclusive museum and history-related experiences via an online auction and invest in our work during a special appeal segment. All funds raised will help support our work to gather, save, and share the pieces and stories of Clark County history. Auction opens April 21st. Bidding closes May 12th after the show.
This event is only possible thanks to our generous presenting sponsor Squires Electric, Inc and additional sponsors Brickhouse Bar and Grill, Blooming Wand, Bright Indirect Light Social Club, and Kindred Homestead Supply.

Our Changing Landscape Pop-Up Exhibit
2022-05-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Have you ever wondered where the PNW’s love for hops and IPAs began? Or who was the first female riverboat captain on the Columbia? Have fun and meet others every First Friday while exploring our community’s history during #CCHMuseum AfterHours!
Each monthly event showcases a different theme with experiences such as pop-up exhibits, workshops, live performances, author readings, and more. While you’re here, be sure to explore our award winning exhibits to learn about the women who helped build the Clark County or dance through the history of music in our community.
Farming and agriculture have contributed to the development of Clark County throughout it’s history. In this month’s AfterHours pop-up exhibit, curated by CCHM’s WSU-V History intern, we’ll looks at how farming has changed, from the 1840s to the present day, using historic artifacts photos, and maps.

From Water Wagons to Private Development: A History of Vancouver Water System
2022-05-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Historic Covington House, 4201 Main St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Clark County Historical Museum’s 2022 Speaker Series continues on Thursday, May 5th, with “From Water Wagons to Private Development: A History of Vancouver Water System” presented by Jim Pestillo. The event will occur in-person at the Historic Covington House (4201 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Clean water is key to a healthy and prosperous community. While the Pacific Northwest has an abundance of natural water sources, as cities and townships grew so did their pressures on these natural systems. From pollution to distance, adequate water access proved an increasingly more difficult puzzle for community leaders to solve. In this presentation, Jim Pestillo explores the history of Vancouver’s water systems and the relationship between those systems and the City’s growth.
Jim Pestillo is a retired engineer with an interest in local history. His article “Vancouver Water Delivery 1824-1930: From Water Wagons to Private Development” (2019) and “From Stinky Streets to Sewers: An Overview of Vancouver’s Water and Sewer Systems” (2020) both appeared in Clark County (WA) History published by the Clark County Historical Society.
The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio). This event will be free to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

Pat Jollata: A Retrospective
2022-04-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) will open its 2022 History on Tap Season with “Pat Jollota: A Retrospective” at the Kiggins Theatre on April 21. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Now entering its fourth season, History on Tap looks at how the past influences our present and informs the future. It’s built on the premise that history didn’t end on some dusty date on the calendar but is a dynamic story where every person is an active participant. In this year’s opening event, CCHM is excited to sit down with beloved local author and historian, Pat Jollota, to discuss her life and work.
Pat Jollota moved to Vancouver after retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department. A lover of history, Jollota has since devoted her life to unearthing and preserving our community’s stories while continuing her passion for civic engagement and advocacy. In addition to serving at the Clark County Historical Museum for 22 years. She served on the Vancouver City Council for 20 years, helped establish the Children’s Justice Center, and served on countless civic organizations. Her advocacy and dedication earned her recognition as Clark County’s First Citizen for 2012. She is also the author of 8 books exploring Clark County’s history – including her newest one, Haunted Vancouver, Washington (September 2020).
The evening will include our newest segment One History and a Lie, where audience members try to figure out which tidbits of history are true and which ones are fake. We’re also bringing back the popular Clark County Trivia with a twist! This year the crew from our presenting sponsor, Business Over Beer, will compete all season for the title of “King of Trivia” as they try to answer questions about Clark County and beyond.
Admission to History on Tap is $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Kiggins Theatre Box Office or online at kigginstheatre.com/movies/history-on-tap.
The 2022 History on Tap season is brought to you by Business Over Beer. Special thanks to our sponsors Vancouver’s Downtown Association and Mickler & Associates. Program support provided by Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio).

From Pacific Shores to Columbia River Banks: Historical Traces of the Chinese Community in Vancouver, Washington
2022-04-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join Music Fusian NW and CCHM as they welcome Dr. Xiuyu Wang for “From pacific Shores to Columbia River banks: Historical Traces of the Chinese Community in Vancouver, Washington” during this month’s Speaker Series.
Since the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants to Vancouver and the Clark County in Washington have contributed to community life in various ways, creating a legacy that has remained poignant but also sparsely documented and imperfectly known. While different immigration journeys to Vancouver reflected broader shifts in national immigration policies and international relations, the immigrants themselves often had to rely on personal initiative and family resources in settling into business, labor, industry, service, education and other sectors. No two stories were exactly alike in this process of community adaptation and growth, but all reflected some form of fusion between Asian and American lifeways.
This presentation offers glimpses of individual stories in their regional and international contexts based on materials from the Clark County Historical Museum and other sources. In recognition that many more facets of this history remain scattered in the community, this presentation is intended both as a catalyst and an invitation for more community-driven discussions and connections around this local heritage going forward.
About the Presenter
Xiuyu Wang is Associate Professor of History at Washington State University, where he teaches courses on China and East Asia. His early life and education in Shandong Province coincided with China’s first two decades of reform. After immigrating to the US in the 1990s, he pursued studies in intercultural communication and journalism before earning a doctorate in modern Chinese history at Carnegie Mellon. Dr. Wang’s research focuses on China’s late imperial and modern ethnic history, with publications on state-local relations in its southwestern region, including his book China’s Last Imperial Frontier: Late Qing Expansion in Sichuan’s Tibetan Borderlands. He lives with his family in Vancouver, Washington.
Music Fusian NW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Vancouver WA. It aims to use music to empower students, inspire creativity and collaboration, increase cultural awareness and build bridges between cultures. Music Fusian NW is excited to partner with the Clark County Historical Museum and Dr. Xiuyu Wang to present the stories and legacy of the Chinese immigrants in Clark County.
Funding for the evening’s event comes in part from Humanities Washington. The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio). General admission is $5; seniors and students are $4; children under 18 are $3; and the evening is free for CCHM members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited and available on a first-come-first-served basis.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

VBMA Community Takeover
2022-04-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Vancouver Barracks Military Association will descend upon the Clark County Historical Museum; bringing military history “goodies” for patrons to enjoy. There will be historic images from the Vancouver Barracks, maps, and interpreters to answer your questions. The VBMA will also unveil their 2023 military history talk schedule. These talks will take place from February through June of 2023, at the Vancouver Barracks. Come down with your military memorabilia, and maybe we can answer some of your questions about it. You can support the VBMA by buying their 2023 historic Vancouver/Vancouver Barracks calendar.

Women's History Trivia Night
2022-03-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Think you know the women who helped build Clark County? Team up and compete against other challengers to see who knows their women’s history best! Each game will last approximately 3 rounds and 30 minutes at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30. The winning team for each game will receive a prize. Admission to the museum is free as part of VDA’s Art Walk. This is a family friendly event.

(Her)Story: Rebel Women of Clark County
2022-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Clark County Historical Museum’s 2022 Speaker Series continues on Thursday, Mar. 3, with “(Her)Story: Rebel Women of Clark County” presented by April Buzby (she/they). The event will occur in-person at the Clark County Historical Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Join us as Buzby tells the stories of Elizabeth Jane Herrington Irwin and Mary Ellen Bates, two extraordinary women who served during WWI & WWII. Hear about how Irwin’s story was nearly lost due to a clerical error. Experience the turmoil and concerns of Bates in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. And learn about the legacy both women left behind.
April Buzby is a talented social impact strategist who has spent their career working to create more equitable policies and shine a light on the stories and challenges of marginalized communities. After 10 years in public policy on the national stage, Buzby shifted their focus to local advocacy and the historical narrative. Currently serving as outreach and public programming manager at Clark County Historical Museum, Buzby uses their skills and talent to support the organization’s effort to unearth the forgotten stories and communities of Clark County. They hold a BA in Geography from Keene State College and a Master of Community and Regional Planning from University of Oregon.
The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio). General admission is $5; seniors and students are $4; children under 18 are $3; and the evening is free for CCHM members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. For the safety of staff, visitors, and our families, CCHM does require proof of vaccination for admission to all CCHM events.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

Archivist in a Backpack Workshop
2022-02-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Have you ever wondered where the PNW’s love for hops and IPAs began? Or who was the first female riverboat captain on the Columbia? Have fun and meet others every #FirstFriday while exploring our community’s history during #CCHMuseum AfterHours!

This month we’ll be discussing Archivist in a Backpack, our latest initiative designed to help collect the stories of our community. Learn how to collect your family stories and add them to our growing collection of oral histories! Workshop starts at 5:15 and 6:15.

This event is free to the public. CCHMuseum requires all patrons to be masked, vaccinated, and remain socially distanced during indoor events. For more information on our COVID protocols and upcoming events, see our website at cchmuseum.org.

First Families: The Next Generation
2022-02-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Clark County Historical Museum will launch its 2022 Speaker Series on Thursday, February 3, with Melissa Williams’ presentation of “First Families: The Next Generation.” The event will occur in-person at the Clark County Historical Museum. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m.
Join us as historian, Melissa Williams, and Rites of Passages Youth Program director, Charles Simmons, explore the generation that came after the individuals featured in the Vancouver NAACP’s publication First Families of Vancouver’s African American Community. Learn about the events that shaped their lives and the impact they’ve had on Clark County.
Melissa Williams (she/her) is a U.S. historian who focuses on African American history. Over the past 20 years, she has contributed to several projects for organizations and institutions including the Center for Columbia River History, Vancouver NAACP #1139, U.S. Forest Service, Clark County Historical Museum, Washington State University Vancouver, and Portland State University. Williams earned a B.A. in History from the University of Washington and an M.A. in Public History from Washington State University Vancouver. She is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership at Portland State University and currently serves as Policy Associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Charles LaRue Simmons is founder and director of Rites of Passage Youth Program, a summer program dedicated to building skills and providing experiences for African-American Youth. Simmons earned Life-Time K-12 Teaching Certification with a Bachelor in Literature and minors in Black Studies and Political Science from the University of Washington. He is a life-long educator, teaching for the Vancouver, Evergreen, and Washougal School Districts before founding Rites of Passage. Simmons has been a member of the Vancouver NAACP #1139 since 1964.
The CCHM Speaker Series is sponsored by the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio). General admission is $5; seniors and students are $4; children under 18 are $3; and the evening is free for CCHM members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. For the safety of staff, visitors, and our families, CCHM does require proof of vaccination for admission to all CCHM events.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.
