Haunted Walking Tours
2025-10-10 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-11 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-17 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-24 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Are you curious to hear tales of what haunts the buildings and streets of Downtown Vancouver? Interested in the strange and peculiar side of our local history? Then join us as we take an excursion through Clark County’s haunted history. Every Friday and Saturday night in October, guides from the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) will lead inquiring minds to the answers. Join them on walking tours along Main Street and beyond to uncover the unexplained in this historic city.
CCHM Downtown Vancouver Haunted Tours
Fridays and Saturdays in September 12 thru October 25 at 7:00 PM
Clark County Historical Museum – 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98661
A mix of stories, memories, research, and personal experiences, these tours are a fascinating glimpse through the darker side of history. Many of our tales of history and terror are drawn from the book Darkness Next Door, penned by Clark County historian, Pat Jollota. They begin at 7:00 PM most nights, and guides will lead up to 25 people for approximately a mile, while making frequent stops along the way. General admission tickets are $20.00 per person and CCHM Members are $15.00.
All are welcome on the tours, though they are best suited for those 10 years and older. Tickets are required for all persons attending over the age of six. In addition, tours happen rain or shine, so CCHM encourages guests to bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. (Costumes appreciated.)
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/historic-haunted-walking-tours-2025-4491843?
CCHM’s Haunted Walking Tours is an annual and popular series that supports the museum’s mission to gather, save, and share Clark County history.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

History on Tap: UFO Northwest — How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
History on Tap: UFO Northwest — How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black
Thursday, October 16, 2025Kiggins Theatre | 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660Doors open at 6:00 PM | Program begins at 7:00 PM
Join us at the historic Kiggins Theatre for the next installment of History on Tap as we dive into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fascinating and eerie tales of government secrecy, UFOs, and the origin of the “Men in Black.”
On August 1, 1947, the crash of a B-25 bomber in Washington State triggered a federal investigation into “The Maury Island Incident”—an event widely considered the first reported UFO encounter involving the so-called Men in Black. Declassified FBI files from the time reveal a story shaped by Cold War paranoia, interagency conflict, cover-ups, false confessions, and the direct involvement of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
In UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black, guest speaker Steve Edmiston unravels this true Washington State mystery and explores its lasting influence on UFO lore in popular culture—from 1950s pulp magazines to The X-Files and the Men in Black films. He’ll also explore how the Northwest’s claim to UFO history has been challenged by other narratives across the country.
Admission:
Free for Clark County Historical Museum members
$5 in advance | $10 at the door for non-members

About the Speaker
Steve Edmiston (he/him) is a business and entertainment attorney with Bracepoint Law, as well as a screenwriter and producer. He has spoken at the Pacific Northwest History Conference, Washington State Historical Museum, McMenamins History Pubs, and film festivals and conferences across the region. He is the screenwriter and co-producer of The Maury Island Incident, a short film based on the 1947 UFO sighting reported by Harold Dahl over Puget Sound.

Sponsored By
This program is made possible with generous support from:Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Heritage Bank, Humanities Washington, Silver Keys Media, and NW Legacy Law.
Tickets available here: https://www.kigginstheatre.com/movie/history-on-tap—ufo-northwest

Speaker Series: “What Is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience”
2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) concludes its 2025 Speaker Series with “What Is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience,” featuring Native artist and former tribal leader John Halliday. The event will take place Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660).
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit cchmuseum.org for tickets.
At age 55, John Halliday became legally blind. A Muckleshoot Tribal member of Duwamish ancestry, Halliday credits his Native American worldview, cultural traditions, and values—practices that have sustained Native tribes long before colonization—with helping him overcome the challenges of losing his sight.
Too often, our understanding of American history begins with the arrival of European powers, overlooking the thriving Indigenous communities that already existed. Through his personal story, Halliday offers audiences a deeper understanding of Washington State history from a Native perspective, and how these enduring cultural values can teach us about resilience and leadership today.
About the Speaker
John Halliday (he/him) is a legally blind Native American artist of Muckleshoot, Duwamish, Yakama, and Warm Springs descent. He recently retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he served as Deputy Regional Director for the Navajo Region, and has also held leadership roles as CEO for the Muckleshoot and Snoqualmie Tribes.
As an artist known by the name Coyote, Halliday’s work has been featured at Lakewold Gardens, ANT Gallery, and the Sacred Circle Galleries of American Indian Art. He currently resides in Steilacoom, Washington.
This program is sponsored by Humanities Washington and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission.
Register here

MEMBERS ONLY - Headstone and Memorial Cleaning and Care Workshop
2025-11-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
November is Members Month at the Clark County Historical Museum!
Join us on Saturday, November 8, as longtime CCHM volunteer and local historian Peri Muhich leads a hands-on workshop on memorial cleaning and care. Learn what supplies to bring to the cemetery and the proper techniques for cleaning and preserving headstones with respect and care. Space is limited to 25 participants, and registration is required to reserve your spot.
Register here.

Museum Closed For Veterans Day
2025-11-11 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

MEMBERS ONLY - The Story of the Old Apple Tree
2025-11-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Historic Covington House, 4201 Main St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us on Saturday, November 15, for an exclusive evening with Executive Director Brad Richardson as he explores the remarkable story of Washington State’s very first apple tree. Planted by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1826, this humble tree took root in more ways than one—its legacy and descendants have become symbols of Clark County’s heritage and Washington’s enduring identity.
This special event will be held at the historic Covington House (4201 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98663). Enjoy a selection of wine and hard cider as you take in this fascinating journey through local history.
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Register here.

2025 Annual Members Meeting
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Current members, join the Clark County Historical Museum at 6 pm Thursday, Nov. 20, for our annual membership meeting and awards ceremony. Brad Richardson, Executive Director of the Clark County Historical Museum, will share our accomplishments of 2025, and highlight the exciting programs, events, and exhibits of 2026.
During the event, awards will also be presented to community members for their service in support of gathering, saving, and sharing Clark County history.
Register here.

MEMBERS ONLY - Horrible Homicides Vs. Early Churches + Revival Grounds Walking Tour
2025-11-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The area around Vancouver’s Courthouse is a study in opposites: at the same crossroads were Saints + Sinners. See where the early churches in Vancouver were located, and hear about the famous Tabernacle and church revival grounds. Just across the street walk around where all three of Vancouver’s Courthouses were erected learn about the numerous jail escapes – as well as some horrific criminals brought to justice!
Register here.

Museum Closed Thanksgiving Week
2025-11-23 - 2025-12-01 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum will be closed November 23 through December 1, reopening on December 2.

Exhibit Opening Reception: Echoes of Fort Vancouver: How the Fur Trade Shaped Clark County
2025-12-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
RSVP HERE Opening Reception: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Admission: Free and open to the public
The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, Echoes of Fort Vancouver: How the Fur Trade Shaped Clark County, debuting Saturday, December 13, 2025. The opening reception will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and is free and open to the public.
Timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) Fort Vancouver, this exhibit explores how centuries of trade—beginning with Indigenous networks that predate European contact—transformed the region into a vital center of commerce and culture.
Exhibit Highlights
Echoes of Fort Vancouver guides visitors through centuries of exchange and adaptation—beginning with the extensive Indigenous trade networks that crisscrossed the Pacific Northwest, through the maritime fur trade of the 18th century, and into the establishment of Fort Vancouver in 1825. The exhibit also examines the lasting impact of trade on the county’s industries, agriculture, and cultural landscape.
Key exhibit sections include:

Crossroads and Trade Routes: The Indigenous trade systems of the region before European contact.
The Hudson’s Bay Company: The rise of one of the world’s most powerful trading enterprises and its North American expansion.
Life at Fort Vancouver: A look at the diverse people and communities who lived and worked at the fort.
Growth, Change, and Tension: How increasing American migration transformed the region.
Industry and Agriculture: The roots of Clark County’s economic development.
Asian American and Pacific Islander and Native Nations Today: The continuing contributions of Hawaiian and Native communities in shaping Clark County.

The exhibit features historic maps, artwork, and artifacts, including depictions of HBC’s vast territories, reconstructed views of Fort Vancouver, and 17th-century fur trade imagery from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A special section, “Impact of the Fur Trade,” highlights how the overharvesting of beaver populations and environmental changes still resonate today—contrasting 19th-century exploitation with modern conservation efforts.
The Clark County Historical Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of our exhibit sponsors, whose partnership has made this exhibition possible:
Clark College Foundation
C-TRAN
Heritage Bank
RealVest
Riverview Bank
WSU Vancouver (WSUV)

Winter Native Art Market
2025-12-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum is excited to announce the Winter Native Art Market! This highly anticipated event will feature a curated selection of 17 local Indigenous artists and vendors, including returning favorites and several new participants. Visitors will have the chance to purchase unique handcrafted arts, crafts, jewelry, and other Indigenous-made goods, perfect for holiday gift-giving or personal collections.
In addition to the market, Dr. Sherrie Davis, internationally recognized Native American flutist, will perform live, adding a cultural and musical experience to the event.
The museum will be open and free to the public during the event, offering an opportunity to explore exhibits that highlight the rich heritage of Southwest Washington.

Clark County Historical Museum Closed
2025-12-21 08:00 - 2026-02-02 17:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum will be closed from December 21 through February 2, 2026, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 3. We can’t wait to welcome you back in the new year! Come visit us and discover some exciting updates and fresh changes throughout the museum!

CCHM Speaker Series: How America Talks (Differently) About Slavery
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:30 | 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 After Hours: NAACP Vancouver, Odyssey World, LULAC
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us for CCHM After Hours at the Clark County Historical Museum!Celebrate community, culture, and connection during a special evening at the museum as part of our After Hours event.
On Friday, February 6, enjoy free museum admission from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and explore our exhibits after hours while connecting with local community organizations making a difference in Southwest Washington. We’re excited to welcome LULAC Vancouver, NAACP Vancouver, and Odyssey World as guest partners for the evening, with each organization hosting a table to share resources, stories, and opportunities to get involved.
Come learn more about how these organizations are working to advance civil rights, empower youth and families, support immigrants and refugees, and strengthen our community through advocacy, education, and outreach, all while enjoying a unique evening at the museum!

Where Faith Meets Freedom: Jesus, The Cross, Liberation
2026-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
In celebration of Black History Month, the NAACP and the Clark County Historical Museum invite the community to a shared dinner and conversation centered on two foundational texts of Black theology: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by the Rev. Dr. James H. Cone and Jesus and the Disinherited by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, both part of the NAACP X CCHM joint reading list.

Where Faith Meets Freedom: Jesus, the Cross, and Liberation
Date: Sunday, February 15 Time: 6:00 PM
Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

Together, these works confront the brutal realities of racial violence, oppression, and suffering while proclaiming a faith rooted in dignity, resistance, and liberation. Cone connects the crucifixion of Jesus to the terror of lynching inAmerica, insisting that the cross must be understood through the lived experiences of Black suffering and survival. Thurman speaks directly to those pushed to the margins, presenting Jesus as a spiritual anchor for the disinherited, those whose backs are against the wall and whose faith becomes a source of courage, nonviolence, and freedom.
The conversation will be guided by:

Rev. Michael Jones Jr., Vice President, NAACP
Rev. Dr. Joyce Smith, Pastor, Community AME Zion Church, Vancouver, WA
Pastor Byron Harris, Pastor, Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church

During this community conversation, we will examine how these texts speak to one another, explore where faith and freedom intersect, and reflect on their relevance to our present moment, personally, spiritually, and socially.
Registration strongly encouraged to secure a spot! Register here.
Sunday Feb 15, 2026 ⋅ 6:30pm – 7:45pm (Pacific Time – Vancouver)
Location
Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660, USA

History on Tap: Liberty Factory - A Look at the Kaiser Shipyards
2026-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Liberty Theater, 115 Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum is pleased to welcome back author and maritime journalist Peter Marsh for the next installment of its popular History on Tap series. Marsh will present “Liberty Factory: A Look at the Kaiser Shipyards” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield.
In this engaging presentation, Marsh will explore the remarkable story of Henry Kaiser’s World War II shipyards in the Pacific Northwest and their profound impact on the ports and communities of the lower Columbia River between 1940 and 1945. Drawing from rare photographs, personal diaries, and firsthand accounts, Marsh brings to life the region’s vital—yet often overlooked—role in what President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously called the “Arsenal of Democracy.”
Born in 1947 in Greenwich, England, Peter Marsh developed an early passion for boats and maritime history. After emigrating to the United States in 1972, he settled in Portland and built a 20-foot sailboat by hand, exploring much of the Pacific Northwest. These adventures launched a successful career in marine journalism, where Marsh covered regional maritime life from fishing and recreation to commercial shipping.
In 1996, Marsh inherited an extensive archive of papers and photographs from Larry Barber, the late marine editor of The Oregonian. A visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy inspired Marsh to take a closer look at Barber’s wartime materials, uncovering a rich and detailed record of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s shipbuilding efforts during World War II. Over the past several years, Marsh has shared this research with audiences throughout the lower Columbia River region, helping to revive interest in the area’s critical contribution to the war effort.
History on Tap is presented through the generous support of Old Liberty Theater, Ridgefield Main Street, and Building Industry Association of Clark County. Admission is $5 for the general public and free for CCHM members, veterans, and active-duty military personnel. Registration is required and available here.

Penguin Talks: How History Works - The Diary of a Local Historian
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Vancouver Community Library (Columbian Room), 901 C St, Vancouver, 98660, United States
Join Clark County Historical Museum Executive Director Brad Richardson on Wednesday, March 4 at noon in the Columbia Room at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library for an engaging talk on what it means to serve as both a steward and storyteller of our community’s shared history. Brad will explore the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of preserving the past while making it meaningful for today’s audiences.
This free program is open to the public and will be held at the library’s main branch, 901 C Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

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.

CCHM After Hours: League of Women Voters
2026-03-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us for CCHM After Hours at the Clark County Historical Museum!
Celebrate community, culture, and connection during a special evening at the museum. On Friday, March 6, enjoy free admission from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and explore our exhibits after hours in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Connect with local organizations that are strengthening civic life in Southwest Washington, and meet our featured community partner for the evening: the League of Women Voters.
The League of Women Voters is a nationally respected, nonpartisan grassroots organization with a nearly 105-year legacy of empowering voters and defending democracy. Founded in 1920 to help newly enfranchised women exercise their right to vote, the League continues today to encourage informed and active participation in government, increase understanding of public policy issues, expand voter access, protect voting rights, and promote civic engagement for people of all backgrounds without supporting any political party or candidate.
At this After Hours event, representatives from the League will be onsite to share resources, answer questions, and highlight ways you can get involved in building a more informed and inclusive democracy right here in our community.
Come learn more about the League’s work and how everyday citizens can engage in shaping our civic future!

Spring Equinox Native Art Market
2026-03-21 11:00 - 15:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum is delighted to host the Spring Equinox Native Art Market on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the museum.
This dynamic community event will feature 17 gifted local Indigenous artists and vendors, blending returning favorites with exciting new participants. Visitors can shop a wide selection of handcrafted pieces, including original artwork, jewelry, beadwork, crafts, and other Indigenous-created goods. Whether you are looking for something meaningful for your home or a one of a kind gift, the market offers an inspiring range of work rooted in tradition and creativity.
The afternoon will also include a live performance by internationally acclaimed Native American flutist Dr. Sherrie Davis, whose music will add a powerful and uplifting element to the celebration.
Admission to the museum will be free during the event, inviting guests to explore exhibits that share and preserve the stories of Southwest Washington’s diverse communities.
The Spring Equinox Native Art Market provides a welcoming space to support Indigenous artists, celebrate cultural heritage, and gather in community.
For more information, please contact the museum at 360-993-5679.

A Map Of Her Own: An Afternoon Author Talk With Dede Montgomery
2026-03-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Historic Covington House, 4201 Main St, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join the Clark County Historical Museum for a special midday author talk at the historic Covington House.

On Saturday, March 28 at noon, sixth-generation Pacific Northwest author and blogger Dede Montgomery will share the stories, history, and family legacies that shape her writing and connect deeply to the Columbia River region.
Montgomery’s latest novel, A Map of Her Own, moves between contemporary Astoria and early 1900s Camas, weaving together personal discovery and regional history. Her talk will explore the historical threads behind her work, including:
• Early settlers who traveled up the Columbia River to Fort Vancouver
• Connections to the Jason Lee missionaries
• Early Oregon land claims
• Maritime history and Pacific Northwest industry
• The beginnings of the Camas paper mill
• The role of place, memory, and heritage in storytelling
Montgomery is the author of six books, including My Music Man, Humanity’s Grace, Beyond the Ripples, and Then, Now and In-Between. Her work blends history, memoir, and fiction to illuminate the people and landscapes that define Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Books will be available for purchase following the program.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged.
