Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-07-11 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Parker’s Landing National Historic Site, 24 S A St, Washougal, WA, 98671
Explore Clark County on foot with CCHM!

Explore the rich history of Parkersville and Washougal with the Calrk County Historical Museum through one of Washington’s oldest incorporated communities. Founded in 1845 when David C. Parker established Parker’s Landing among a Chinook-speaking Indigenous community, Parkersville became an important early settlement along the Columbia River. As merchants and businesses expanded into the surrounding area during the 1870s, the neighboring community of Washougal began to take shape. Discover the people, places, and stories that transformed this riverfront settlement into the community we know today.

Wander Clark County: Historic Parkersville - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Parker’s Landing National Historic Site, 24 S A St, Washougal, WA, 98671

Clark County Heritage Organization Fair
2026-07-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Clark County Historical Museum invites the public to celebrate the stories, people, and places that have shaped our region during the Clark County Heritage Organization Fair, taking place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
As communities across the nation commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this event provides an opportunity to explore how Clark County’s unique history fits into the broader American story. Visitors will discover the organizations working to preserve local landmarks, family histories, historic sites, artifacts, music, and traditions while learning how they can become involved in safeguarding our shared heritage for future generations.
This free community event will bring together many of Clark County’s leading heritage organizations under one roof. Throughout the day, representatives will share information about their missions, educational programs, special events, volunteer opportunities, research resources, and membership benefits. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast, a newcomer eager to learn more about the community, or someone looking to support local nonprofits, the Heritage Organization Fair offers something for everyone.
Participating organizations include:

Clark County Historical Museum
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Pearson Air Museum
Two Rivers Museum
Historic Covington House
The Historic Trust
Historic Music Preservation Project
Cedar Creek Grist Mill
Friends of Fort Vancouver
Clark County Genealogical Society
Clark County Historic Cemetery Association
Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington
Sons of the American Revolution

Admission to both the Heritage Organization Fair and the Clark County Historical Museum will be free throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum’s exhibits while connecting with the organizations preserving Clark County’s rich and diverse history. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about upcoming America 250 programs and commemorative events taking place throughout the region as communities reflect on the nation’s 250th anniversary through local stories and perspectives.
The Clark County Heritage Organization Fair celebrates the collaborative spirit of the region’s heritage community and highlights the many ways residents can help preserve the stories that continue to define Clark County.

Saturday, July 11, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Admission is free and open to the public.

Museum Closed For Renovation
2026-07-13 08:00 - 2026-08-03 17:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

Lunchtime Walking Tour: VANCOUVER’S FIRST SUBURBS & EARLY RETAIL DISTRICT
2026-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly as she explores the hidden stories of Clark County!

The first suburban development in town was called North Vancouver, platted in 1883. It was pretty “close in” by our measures – just past the Museum. After electricity arrived in 1902, between 1905 – 1920, an explosion of housing occurred. Explore housing styles in gracious leafy neighborhoods, discovering interesting stories about the early residents who lived there.
Join historian and Clark County Historical Museum volunteer Tracy Reilly-Kelly for these one hour long walks exploring the hidden history of Clark County! Free and open to the public. Registration required!

Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Battle Ground - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-07-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Dev’s Coffee Bar, 316 E Main St., Battle Ground, WA, 98604, United States
Explore Clark County on foot with CCHM!

Explore historic downtown Battle Ground on this walking excursion!
Step into history with the Battle Ground Walking Tour, where each stop brings the past to life. Discover how this town got its unique name from a peaceful resolution gone awry in 1855. Stroll down Main Street, once the dividing line between early homesteads, and see landmarks like the 1928 Sacred Heart Church, the historic Stith Home, and Dr. Skinner’s combined home and office. Learn about the daring 1946 Battle Ground State Bank robbery, the devastating fires that reshaped the town, and the thriving businesses that emerged from its pioneer days. From century-old storefronts to hidden tales of resilience and innovation, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the people and places that built Battle Ground. Book your tickets today and explore the stories waiting to be uncovered!
Tickets are $10.00 for non-members. CCHM members are free but RSVP is required.
For questions, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or outreach@cchmuseum.org.

Wander Clark County: Historic Downtown Battle Ground - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Dev’s Coffee Bar, 316 E Main St., Battle Ground, WA, 98604, United States

Lunchtime Walking Tour: KAUFFMAN AVE: URBAN & RURAL
2026-07-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Corner of Fourth Plain and Kauffman, 1006 W Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly as she explores the hidden stories of Clark County!

Did you know that Kauffman AV was the site of Vancouver’s First Fruit Valley? Visit the home of Andrew Quarnberg, the agrarian genius who transformed the nut and fruit industry to flourish in the early 1900’s. Walk by the early Hidden brick yards, learning the Brickmaking story. View other historic homes in a neighborhood that has greatly changed since its cordial past.
Join historian and Clark County Historical Museum volunteer Tracy Reilly-Kelly for these one hour long walks exploring the hidden history of Clark County! Free and open to the public. Registration required!
Meets at the corner of W Fourth Plain Blvd. and Kauffman

Wander Clark County: Historic Arnada Neighborhood - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-07-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Step into one of Vancouver’s most charming and historic neighborhoods on this guided walking tour through Arnada. Nestled just north of downtown, Arnada offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s growth during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with tree lined streets, beautifully preserved homes, and stories that connect local families, architecture, and community life across generations. Along the way, participants will explore how the neighborhood evolved alongside Vancouver’s expanding industries, transportation networks, and civic development.
From elegant Craftsman residences to hidden historical details tucked into everyday streetscapes, this tour reveals the people and events that shaped Arnada into the neighborhood it is today.

Wander Clark County: Historic Arnada Neighborhood - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-07-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

Speaker Series - The Second Mrs. Hidden: Exploring the Life of Grace Hulin Hidden
2026-08-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Hidden House Event Space, 100 West 13th Street, Vancouver, 98660, United States
Join the Clark County Historical Museum for a special evening at the historic Hidden House as local historian Peri Muhich explores the life and legacy of Grace Hulin Hidden.
While often remembered as the second wife of Lowell Hidden, Grace Hulin Hidden made significant contributions to the Vancouver community through her dedication to civic and service organizations. This presentation will examine her life, her family’s legacy of skilled stone masonry that connected the Hulin and Hidden families, and her lasting impact on Clark County.
The program will be held outdoors on the grounds of the Hidden House, built in 1885 by Lowell Hidden. This historic setting offers a unique opportunity to experience local history where it happened. Light appetizers prepared by the Hidden House Event Space are included with admission.
This program is part of the Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series and is presented with generous support from the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, the Hidden Family, and The Columbian, the event’s media sponsor.

Lunchtime Walking Tour: THE BIG FIRE & HOW DOWNTOWN CHANGED
2026-08-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Fountain at Esther Short Park
Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly as she explores the hidden stories of Clark County!

Meet at Esther Short Park Waterfall Fountain
In 1910 a large fire damaged the Lower Main St area. Fire has threatened Vancouver over and over and in its history. Learn how fires shaped Downtown – and what it took to modernize it after 1910. Bonus – walk through Esther Short Park to learn its history and the backstory of the Pioneer Mother Statue.
Join historian and Clark County Historical Museum volunteer Tracy Reilly-Kelly for these one hour long walks exploring the hidden history of Clark County! Free and open to the public. Registration required!

Exhibit Opening: Moments That Made Us
2026-08-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
-The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) will host a community celebration on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring the opening of its new Moments That Made Us exhibit alongside the grand opening of the new Vancouver Visitor Center, located in the museum lobby. The free event will take place at the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Blue Crew, officially dedicating the Vancouver Visitor Center. Developed in partnership with Visit Vancouver USA and the Vancouver Downtown Association, the new visitor center addresses the longstanding need for a dedicated visitor information hub in Clark County.
Following a multi-month renovation, the museum’s lobby now features a centralized welcome desk and a dedicated space highlighting businesses and attractions throughout Downtown Vancouver and Uptown Village. Staff and volunteers will provide visitors with personalized recommendations, maps, and information about local dining, shopping, and unique regional experiences.
The visitor center is organized around three key themes:
– Sips & Bites – Showcasing local restaurants, cafés, breweries, bars, and eateries. – Makers, Merchants & More – Highlighting boutiques, artisans, craftspeople, mercantiles, cooperatives, and locally owned businesses. – Play & Discover – Featuring entertainment, festivals, workshops, outdoor recreation, fitness opportunities, and other experiences throughout the region.
The renovation was made possible through the generous support of the Courtney Irvin Foundation, whose investment helped create a welcoming space for both residents and visitors.
The event also marks the opening of Moments That Made Us, CCHM’s contribution to a multistate initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The exhibition invites communities across the country to reflect not only on the people and events that shaped the nation, but also on the local stories that brought America’s founding ideals to life.
Working with local organizations and community partners, the Clark County Historical Museum has incorporated stories from throughout Clark County, ensuring the region’s history is represented within the broader American narrative.
Community members, visitors, and members of the media are invited to attend this day of celebration, history, and discovery.
Event Details
Exhibit Opening & Vancouver Visitor Center Grand OpeningDate: Saturday, August 8, 2026Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660 Admission: Free

Wander Clark County: HerStory - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-08-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Travel back on this engaging walking tour celebrating the remarkable women who shaped Vancouver and Clark County; this tour brings to life the stories of Indigenous women, Oregon Trail pioneers, business leaders, physicians, educators, activists, artists, and wartime workers whose courage and determination transformed the community. From Esther Short’s fight to secure her family’s land claim to Mother Joseph’s architectural legacy and the trailblazing women who led businesses, libraries, schools, and city government, discover the powerful and often overlooked stories of Vancouver’s founding mothers and changemakers.

Wander Clark County: HerStory - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-08-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States

History on Tap: The Campbells and The Columbian
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us for the next installment of History on Tap as fourth-generation newspaper owner Will Campbell shares the story of his family’s remarkable newspaper legacy and the history of The Columbian.
Learn about Will’s great-grandfather, Herbert J. Campbell, who purchased The Columbian in 1921 and helped shape one of the Pacific Northwest’s longest-running family-owned newspapers. Discover how The Columbian has evolved alongside Vancouver over the past century, the role it continues to play in our community, and what the future holds for both the newspaper and the Campbell family.
Will Campbell serves as Innovation Editor at The Columbian, where he leads special projects including Community Funded Journalism and the newspaper’s growing slate of community events. After earning his journalism degree from the University of Oregon in 2017, he worked as a crime, courts, and public safety reporter for The Spokesman-Review before joining The Columbian in 2019 as an Assistant Metro Editor and Business Reporter.
Location Update
Please note that this installment of History on Tap will be held at the Clark County Historical Museum in Vancouver.
History on Tap is typically hosted at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield. Because the historic theater is not equipped with air conditioning, this August program has been relocated to the museum to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests.
Registration
Seating is limited, and advance registration is required.
Admission is free for Clark County Historical Museum members and $5 for non-members.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This installment of History on Tap is produced through the generous support of our season sponsors, the Old Liberty Theater and Ridgefield Main Street; our program sponsors, Johnson Bixby and Riverview Bank; and our media sponsor, The Columbian. We are grateful for their continued support of local history programming and community engagement.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Presentation: 7:00 PM
Location:
Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Admission:
Free for Clark County Historical Museum members | $5 for non-members

Lunchtime Walking Tour: WOMEN’S HERSTORY: LIBRARIANS, POETS, YWCA & CLUBS
2026-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly as she explores the hidden stories of Clark County!

Explore the homes and buildings where women in Vancouver first germinated their paths to suffrage, to public office and professional acumen. See where the YWCA, the League of Women Voters and other clubs first set up shop. Hear about women from society dames to literary lionesses.
Join historian and Clark County Historical Museum volunteer Tracy Reilly-Kelly for these one hour long walks exploring the hidden history of Clark County! Free and open to the public. Registration required!

Wander Clark County: Historic Old Town Ridgefield - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-08-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States
Step into Ridgefield’s past on this walking tour through its historic downtown, where early pioneers, industrious mill owners, and enterprising merchants shaped the city we know today. From the Chinook village of Cathlapotle to the arrival of settlers like the Carty and Shobert families, Ridgefield’s history is one of resilience and transformation. Explore landmarks such as the Ridgefield Hardware Store, Union Ridge Presbyterian Church, and the historic Liberty Theater, each with its own story to tell. Discover how this once-bustling hub of timber, agriculture, and commerce evolved into the charming community it is today.

Wander Clark County: Historic Old Town Ridgefield - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-08-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Overlook Park, 113-131 S Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA, 98642, United States

Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery - Early Tour (9:00 AM)
2026-08-29 09:00 - 10:00 | Washougal Memorial Cemetery, 3329 Q Street, Washougal, WA, United States
Discover the stories of Washougal’s pioneers on the Washougal Memorial Cemetery Walking Tour. This journey takes visitors through the historic Pioneer Sections A and B, where the town’s earliest settlers rest. Learn about the influential families who shaped Washougal, from homesteaders and war veterans to entrepreneurs and civic leaders. Uncover the origins of Washougal’s founding through the lives of figures like Richard Ough, a Hudson’s Bay Company trader who married Chinook princess White Wing, and Joseph Gibbons, an early pioneer who helped establish the town. Walk among the gravestones of soldiers, business owners, and trailblazers whose legacies live on in the fabric of the community. This tour offers a moving glimpse into the past, connecting you with the people who built Washougal.

Wander Clark County: Washougal Memorial Cemetery - Late Tour (11:00 AM)
2026-08-29 11:00 - 12:00 | Washougal Memorial Cemetery, 3329 Q Street, Washougal, WA, United States

CCHM Speaker Series: Brewing & Distilling in the Pacific Northwest
2026-09-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Explore the fascinating history of brewing and distilling in the Pacific Northwest, from Fort Vancouver and saloons to Prohibition and craft

Beer and liquor are more than beverages. Their history in the Pacific Northwest is intertwined with trade, settlement, immigration, industry, social reform, politics, and government regulation.
Join Dr. Sam Busick, Ed.D., for a fascinating look at the region’s brewing and distilling history, from the fur trade and Fort Vancouver to nineteenth-century saloons, the temperance movement, Prohibition, Lucky Lager, and today’s craft brewing boom.
Explore how alcohol shaped the growth of Vancouver and Clark County, including the rise of local breweries, the battle between “wet” and “dry” communities, Prohibition-era bootlegging and stills, and the eventual return of brewing to the region.
This presentation offers a unique window into the people, businesses, conflicts, and cultural changes that shaped the Pacific Northwest through its long and complicated relationship with alcohol.
Dr. Sam Busick, Ed.D., is an educator, community leader, real estate professional, and historian based in Southwest Washington. He spent twelve years teaching social studies at Hudson’s Bay High School and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership in Neuroeducation from the University of Portland. He volunteers with the Clark County Historical Museum, contributing historical research and writing to support museum exhibits.
This installment of the Clark County Historical Museum Speaker Series is presented through the generous support of the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, with media sponsorship provided by The Columbian.

Haunted History Walking Tour
2026-09-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-19 19:00 - 20:00 | 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. Friday and Saturday nights in October guides from the Clark County Historical Museum 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.
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 , 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 ($15.00 for CCHM Members).
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.)
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.
Presented by Heritage Bank
Sponsored by Squires Electric and the Vancouver Downtown Association
Media Sponsor: The Columbian
Tickets on sale to non-members on August 19. Members, see email sent August 12 for advance link to tickets!

Autumn Native Art Market
2026-09-19 11:00 - 15:00 | Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
Join us at the Clark County Historical Museum on Saturday, September 19, from 11 AM–3 PM for our Autumn Native Art Market!
Discover and shop an incredible selection of handcrafted art created by talented Indigenous artists from throughout the region. 100% of sales go directly back to the artists.
Free and open to the public!
Saturday, September 19, 2026
11 AM–3 PM
Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
FREE!

2026 CCHM Fundraising Dinner and Auction
2026-09-26 17:00 - 20:30 | Summit Grove Lodge
🎃 Spooky Soirée: An Evening of Eerie Elegance & Clark County History
Presented by the Clark County Historical Museum & Society🗓️ Saturday, September 26, 2026🕰️ 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM📍 Historic Summit Grove Lodge | La Center, WA
The veil is thin… and the past is calling.
Join the Clark County Historical Museum & Society for our 2026 Spooky Soirée, an evening steeped in eerie elegance, macabre amusements, and the company of those who appreciate the exquisite charm of the past.
Set within the hauntingly beautiful Historic Summit Grove Lodge, this unforgettable fundraising event brings together community members, history lovers, and local leaders for a night that is as meaningful as it is delightfully chilling.
Your evening will include:
🔹 A hauntingly curated program rooted in local history🔹 A sinfully sumptuous dinner🔹 Silent and live auctions featuring unique and exciting packages🔹 The chance to connect with fellow supporters, dignitaries, and lovers of the past🔹 A touch of mystery… and a great deal of fun
At the Clark County Historical Museum, we are the custodians of memory—preserving the stories that define our community. Thanks to supporters like you, more than 85% of our annual operating budget is sustained through events like this, ensuring that Clark County’s history remains vivid and alive for generations to come.
Whether you come for the atmosphere, the cause, or the company, this is your invitation to step into the past and help protect its future.
👻 Costumes encouraged, but not required.
Can’t attend but still wish to support the museum?Visit cchmuseum.org/2026cchmfund to make a contribution.
Let us make 2026 a year to remember—as together we haunt the corridors of the past and protect the future of history.
#CCHMSpookySoiree #SaveHistory #ClarkCoHistory #MuseumFundraiser2026
Our event is currently sold out, but please fill out the form below to join our waiting list.

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