Clark County Historical Museum

The 1930s Northwest Aviators with David Hedberg
2022-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WA
In the 1930s, barnstorming, or “Air Circus”, tours swept through the nation introducing the fledgling aviation industry to the general public through aeronautic feats and challenges. The Northwest Air Tour was one such group that traveled throughout Oregon and Washington promoting aviation to the masses.
In our final History on Tap of the 2022 season, founder and principal historian of Outdoor History Consulting, David Hedberg, looks at the people behind this story and how the environment of the sky and early aviation transcended race, class, and gender identities.
Before the main event, see if you can figure out which tidbits of history are true and which ones are fake in our newest segment, “A History and A Lie”. And watch as the team from passages to Success continue their battle for the title of “King of Trivia” during Clark County Trivia.
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 History on Tap season is brought to you by Passages to Success. Special thanks to all our season sponsors Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Mickler & Associates, and Ryan Philbrook, Voice Overs. Program support provided by Wager Audio.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

Slocum House Exhibit Preview
2022-11-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Slocum House, 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
When: November 19th, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Opening remarks at 6 pm.)
Where: Slocum House (605 Esther Street, Vancouver, WA 98660)
Cost: Free for CCHS Members (Limit 40 people)
What: Overshadowed by a concrete enclosure of modern developments, the Slocum House represents two moments in our city’s history. First, it is a dazzling vestige of a once wealthy residential neighborhood, busy with the city’s early elite. Second, the home, whose foundation is no longer situated on its original locale, stands as a haunting reminder of what happens when history stands in the path of revitalization and development. In our latest exhibit, to be located at the Slocum House, we explore the effect of Urban Renewal in the 1960s movement on the city’s story and character through the lens of the house.
Opening remarks at 6 pm. Limit 40 people.

Slocum House Exhibit Preview
Free
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2022 Annual Membership Meeting
2022-11-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join Clark County historical Museum at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, for our annual membership meeting and awards ceremony. CCHM Executive Director Brad Richardson will reflect on this year’s exhibits, programs, and events, and discuss what’s in store for 2022.
During the event, awards will also be presented to community members for their service in support of gathering, saving, and sharing Clark County history.

"Looking Back at the 1972 Tornado" with Steve Becker *Members Only Event*
2022-11-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
When: November 12th, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660)
Cost: Free for CCHS Members (Limit 50 people)
What: It was the biggest and most dramatic rescue in Clark County History – A tornado demolishes Peter S. Ogden Elementary School, injuring dozens of young children while trapping others in the rubble of the fallen brick structure. But moments later, an army of rescuers descended on the scene when dozens of students from nearby Fort Vancouver High School began picking through the rubble to rescue the children who, in some cases, their own siblings. The April 1972 tornado also demolished a bowling alley where a childcare attendant gave her life protecting the children entrusted to her. CCHM Member Steve Becker tells the story of that day and the countless acts of heroism that saved lives and inspired a generation of students at Fort Vancouver High School.

“Looking Back at the 1972 Tornado” with Steve Becker *Members Only Event*
Free
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"That's Entertainment" Walking Tour *Members Only Event*
2022-11-05 13:00 - 14:30 | Slocum House, 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
When: November 5th, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Slocum House (605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660)
Cost: Free for CCHS Members (Limit 25 people)
What: Downtown Vancouver has a long history of music, theater, and art. In our newest tour, join CCHM as we explore a few of the stories and locations connected to this history.
FYI – This tour is open to members only and is limited to 25 people. The walking tour is approximately a mile, with frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.
Tours happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. There are no restroom stops on the tours.
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“That’s Entertainment” Walking Tour *Members Only Event*
Free
Buy now

Preserving History: The Historic Preservation Commission
2022-11-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The CCHM Speaker Series wraps up it’s 2022 season on Thursday, November 3 with “Preserving History: The Historic Preservation Commission.” Join CCHM and members of the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission to learn more about the Commission, why preservation is so important, and how you can support HPC’s efforts to protect our historic and cultural resources. 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.
The Clark County Historic Preservation Commission raises awareness of the county’s historic and cultural resources and serves as the county’s primary resource on historic preservation. The commission initiates and maintains the Clark County Historic Register and reviews proposed design changes to registered properties.
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.

Haunted Walking Tour
2022-10-29 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-22 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-10-07 18:00 - 19:30 and 1 more date | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Tickets on Sale in September!

Campfire Tales 4: Bride of Couvenstein
2022-10-20 19:00 - 21:00 | WA

CCHMuseum After Hours
2022-10-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Every First Friday!

CCHM Speaker Series
2022-10-06 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, October 6, with “A Promise Not Yet Fulfilled: The Chinook Struggle for Recognition” presented by Sam Robinson. 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.
In 2001, the Chinook Nation rejoiced as the Federal Government finally recognized the Chinook Indian Nation as a sovereign entity of their own lands. This celebration was short lived as only a few months later the government rescinded their decision, leaving the Nation bereft of their right to determine their own future and barred from the resources that are crucial to the People’s survival. Unfortunately, this moment is only one of many injustices played out since the Treaty at Tansy Point in 1851.
In this talk, Chinook Indian Nation citizen and Vice Chair, Sam Robinson, explores the history of the Chinook People and their continued fight for Tribal Recognition. He’ll discuss the importance of recognition for Indigenous Nations, like the Chinook, and provide an insight into where their status stands today.
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.

American Democracy’s Indigenous Roots and Future
2022-09-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Purchase Your Ticket Now
NEW DATE!!! History books teach us that the Founding Fathers birthed American democracy, but do not reveal the Indigenous sources of inspiration that guided their vision. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s Great Law of Peace—uniting six Nations in an alliance that predates the American Constitution by centuries—served as a powerful example to men such as Benjamin Franklin, who benefited from the political guidance of Haudenosaunee leaders. Franklin directly cited the Law’s influence on the Constitution.
But even Franklin did not comprehend the political and spiritual power held by the clan mothers of these matriarchal societies, who were instrumental to building and maintaining a peaceful union. Join storyteller Fern Renville as she shares stories both mythic and personal that reframe and highlight the history, present, and future of Indigenous female power and leadership in America. Such stories include the Seneca story of The Peacemaker and the Dakota story of White Buffalo Calf Woman.
The 2022 History on Tap season is brought to you by Business Over Beer. Special thanks to our sponsors Humanities Washington, Vancouver’s Downtown Association, and Mickler & Associates. Program support provided by Versa Events (formerly Wager Audio).

Give More 24!
2022-09-22 00:00 - 23:30 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

CCHM @ Peace & Justice Fair
2022-09-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

Meet the Author: Jeff Davis
2022-09-02 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!
This month we’re welcoming historian and author, Jeff Davis, for a meet the author and book signing. Davis has written, edited, or contributed to several books on military history and pop culture. He is the author of Custer’s Other Brother-in-Law: The Orders Book of Lieutenant Frederick S. Calhoun as well as several books on paranormal lore in the Pacific Northwest.
Each AfterHours 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 Clark County or dance through the history of music in our community.
Check out our website for detailed information on each month’s theme and activity.

Fourth Plain Forward: Building Community
2022-09-01 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, September 1, with “Fourth Plain Forward: Building Community” presented by Fourth Plain Forward director, Paul Burgess, CCHM public historian, Katie Bush, and CCHM public history intern, Tanaka Axberg. 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.
When people think of Vancouver, Washington, the city is often associated with a 19th century military fort, the Columbia River, and a connection to the Hudson’s Bay Company and the fur trade. Rarely are the stories of the neighborhoods developed during and post-World War II provided the same focus. Yet the people who lived, worked, and created these new communities in places such as Vancouver’s Fourth Plain Corridor are as intrinsic to the mosaic that is Vancouver today as those who first made contact with the Indigenous people of the region nearly 125 years ago.
Part of Clark County Stories, the Fourth Plain project is a collaboration between Fourth Plain Forward (FPF), Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV), and the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) to shed light on these narratives. In this presentation, Burgess, Bush, and Axberg discuss the community’s history as well as current and future plans for the project.
Paul Burgess is the Executive Director for Fourth Plain Forward. He is an accomplished professional and leader in the social impact space with a successful track record of implementing and advancing complex development programs.
With five years of experience in the Global South managing complex international development programming, Paul has brought comprehensive leadership expertise of cross functional implementation, delivery and management to this role at Fourth Plain Forward.
Paul conceived of, and built the international consultancy www.cdvglobal.com/ to bring equity of opportunity to local communities and nonprofits and has 5 years experience of managing international leadership development programs for young people and over 4 years of middle and high school teaching education experience. Prior to leaving the UK in 2007, he was a senior operations manager in the UK Prison service, leading Safer Custody, anti-bullying and foreign nationals policy at HMP Pentonville in London.
Over his career, Paul has lived and worked in 10 countries spanning Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.
Katie Bush joined CCHM as the museum’s public historian in April 2021. She holds a Masters in Public History from Portland State University (2021) and a Bachelors in History from Western Washington University (2012). Katie was the recipient of the 2020 Oregon Heritage Fellowship from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office for her work on the policing of impoverished communities in Progressive era Portland. Katie is passionate about surfacing often overlooked or forgotten historical narratives, and looks forward to bringing this enthusiasm to her work at CCHM.
Tanaka Axberg has been a Vancouver resident since 2016. She graduated from WSUV in May of 2021 with her BA in History and recently finished her first year in the History Master’s Program at Portland State University. Tanka has been involved in and contributing to the Fourth Plain Forward project since it’s inception in 2020.
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.

Wander Clark County: Battle Ground
2022-08-27 09:00 - 11:00 | Dev’s Coffee Bar, 316 E Main St., Battle Ground, WA, 98604, United States
Learn about Battle Ground’s quirky history, from its beginnings as an immigrant community to an infamous bank robbery in 1946. Discover architectural gems designed by prolific architect Day Hillborn, and hear stories about the people that settled in the communities which eventually became the City of Battle Ground.

Tour will meet in front of Hidden River Roasters – Old Town.

WANDER CLARK COUNTY
Summer is the right time to wander through and learn the stories of people who have lived, worked, and carved out their place in Clark County. Our history tours offer a fascinating glimpse through the windows of time, offering a mix of memories, research, and architectural details.
For each tour, guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, making frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.
Tours happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. There are no restroom stops on the tours.

Tour are held most Saturdays throughout the summer. Each weekend highlights a different destination.

Members please use code Summer2022 when purchasing your tour. Membership will be confirmed the morning of the tour.

Purchase your ticket now!

Wander Clark County: (Her)Story
2022-08-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Vancouver has a long history of powerful, prominent women both in and out of politics. Spend time with us learning about key female figures in Vancouver’s history – their accomplishments, disappointments, and the lasting mark they left on this community. Follow up the tour with a visit to our exhibit (Her)story: Founders, Leaders, and Visionaries which explores the women who have shaped Clark County.
Tour will meet in front of the Clark County Historical Museum.
WANDER CLARK COUNTY
Summer is the right time to wander through and learn the stories of people who have lived, worked, and carved out their place in Clark County. Our history tours offer a fascinating glimpse through the windows of time, offering a mix of memories, research, and architectural details.
For each tour, guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, making frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.
Tours happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. There are no restroom stops on the tours.
Tour are held most Saturdays throughout the summer. Each weekend highlights a different destination.
Members please use code Summer2022 when purchasing your tour. Membership will be confirmed the morning of the tour.
Purchase your ticket now!

Wander Clark County: Old Town Ridgefield
2022-08-13 09:00 - 11:00 | Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States
This week we’re celebrating Main Streets with a look at Old Town Ridgefield!. We’ll begin at Overlook Park and enjoy a tour of the sites of the early businesses and landmarks that are still the heart of the community.
Special thanks to this week’s tour sponsors, the Olde Library Inn and the City of Ridgefield.
***This year’s tour is free for Ridgefield residents.***
WANDER CLARK COUNTY
Summer is the right time to wander through and learn the stories of people who have lived, worked, and carved out their place in Clark County. Our history tours offer a fascinating glimpse through the windows of time, offering a mix of memories, research, and architectural details.
For each tour, guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, making frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.
Tours happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. There are no restroom stops on the tours.
Tour are held most Saturdays throughout the summer. Each weekend highlights a different destination.
Ridgefield residents, please select the “Residents Only” ticket when purchasing your free tour. Residency will be confirmed the morning of the tour.
Members please use code Summer2022 when purchasing your tour. Membership will be confirmed the morning of the tour.
Purchase Your Ticket Today!

CCHMuseum presents "Night at the Museum"
2022-08-05 19:30 - 23:00 | Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum is so excited to be participating in YEAR TWO of Friday Night Flicks!
Doors open on August 5th at 7:30pm and after you park your car, we will have activities for you to participate in and food you can buy. Remember this is a night to not only enjoy each other’s company, but to also fundraise some dollars for the Clark County Historical Museum.
As the sun sets, you’ll be encouraged to return to your car and tune your radio to our audio station for the movie. Then CCHM will offer an opportunity to donate directly to them right before we will launch into our showing of Night at the Museum at dusk!
[All movies for Friday Night Flicks will have captioning on so as to be as accessible as possible]
Included with your ticket purchase is a movie snack pack thanks to Corwin and Frito Lay.
Don’t forget to also buy your tickets for other nights as well. Below are the links to their pages so you can support some other incredible local nonprofits:

July 8th: PAL’s Night, showing Soul
July 15th: Hough’s Night, showing Mr. Holland’s Opus
July 22nd: Ridgefield Main Street’s Night, showing A League of Their Own
July 29th: Rocksolid’s Night, showing Rock Dog

We hope you’ll join us on August 5th for our outdoor screening of Night at the Museum AND come every Friday night for the series!
CCHM’s Friday Night Flicks is presented by the Southwest Washington Contractors Association. We also want to thank our additional sponsors Riverview Community Bank, City of Ridgefield, and Brickhouse Bar and Grill.

"Vancouver Goes to the Movies" with Andy Gregg
2022-08-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Since Vancouverites sat down together to watch a filming of Fitzsimmons and Corbel in 1897, movies have held an important role as both entertainment and community connector. From the opening of the Palace Theater in 1909 to the Kiggins Theatre today, the big screen continues to draw people from all backgrounds together for a singularly solitary and shared experience unmatched by other forms of media. Drawing on his research into the golden age of movie theaters in Vancouver, Gregg explores Vancouver’s movie-going history with a look back at the rise and fall of the single screen theater as well the ways in which movies helped bridge social and racial divides.
Andrew Gregg is a Vancouver native who saw his first big-screen movie at the Kiggins Theatre in 1961. After a K-12 education in Vancouver Public Schools, Gregg graduated from Willamette University, attended Gonzaga University School of Law, and completed a master’s degree in public history at Washington State University. A National Board Certified teacher, Gregg has served as Clark County Arts Commission’s chair, and is currently a Clark County Historic Preservation Commissioner chair. Since 1973, Gregg has written extensively about his hometown.
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.
Doors open at 5pm. Presentation begins at 7pm. 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.

Rocksolid presents "Rock Dog"
2022-07-29 19:30 - 23:00 | Port of Ridgefield, 111 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States
Rocksolid is so excited to be participating in YEAR TWO of Friday Night Flicks!
Doors open at 7:30pm and after you park your car, we will have activities for you to participate in and food you can buy. Remember this is a night to not only enjoy each other’s company, but to also fundraise some dollars for Rocksolid.
As the sun sets, you’ll be encouraged to return to your car and tune your radio to our audio station for the movie. Then Rocksolid will offer an opportunity to donate directly to them right before we will launch into our showing of Rock Dog at dusk!
[All movies for Friday Night Flicks will have captioning on so as to be as accessible as possible]
Included with your ticket purchase is a movie snack pack thanks to Corwin and Frito Lay.
Don’t forget to also buy your tickets for other nights as well. Below are the links to their pages so you can support some other incredible local nonprofits:

July 8th: PAL’s Night, showing Soul
July 15th: Hough’s Night, showing Mr. Holland’s Opus
July 22nd: Ridgefield Main Street’s Night, showing A League of their Own
August 5th: Clark County Historical Museum’s Night, showing Night at the Museum

We hope you’ll join us on July 29th for our outdoor screening of Rock Dog AND come every Friday night for the series!

Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery
2022-07-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Washougal Memorial Cemetery, 3329 Q Street, Washougal, WA, United States
This tour is sponsored by the Camas-Washougal Community Chest. The tour is free for Camas-Washougal residents.

Summer is the right time to wander through and learn the stories of people who have lived, worked, and carved out their place in Clark County. Our history tours offer a fascinating glimpse through the windows of time, offering a mix of memories, research, and architectural details.
For each tour, guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, making frequent stops along the way to view buildings, tell stories, and answer questions. Good walking shoes and balance aids are recommended; terrain varies and consists mostly of city sidewalks.
Tours happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended. There are no restroom stops on the tours.

Tour are held most Saturdays throughout the summer. Each weekend highlights a different destination.

Camas and Washougal residents, please select the “Residents Only” ticket when purchasing your free tour. Residency will be confirmed the morning of the tour.
Members please use code Summer2022 when purchasing your tour. Membership will be confirmed the morning of the tour.

Purchase Your Ticket Now!
