The American Revolution's End and an Empire's Beginning

The Clark County Historical Society presents Humanities Washington speaker Lawrence B. A. Hatter for the May installment of its Speaker Series.Could the American Revolution have been both a fight for human liberty—and a pursuit of empire and dominance?In this thought-pr......More

The Clark County Historical Society presents Humanities Washington speaker Lawrence B. A. Hatter for the May installment of its Speaker Series.Could the American Revolution have been both a fight for human liberty—and a pursuit of empire and dominance?In this thought-provoking program, historian Lawrence Hatter explores the complex duality at the heart of the Revolutionary era. Audiences will examine how a generation that advanced ideals of liberty and universal rights also engaged in expansion and conquest. The program highlights key moments such as the Battle of Fallen Timbers, where a U.S. victory over a Native confederacy facilitated further incursions into Indigenous lands.As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, this program encourages reflection on how we recognize the Founders’ achievements while also confronting the broader impacts of their actions.Presented by the Clark County Historical Society in partnership with the National Park Service.

Located at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's visitor center.

VC Talk: Exploring Vancouver’s Past and Present

On May 9th join local author Patty Grasher for a 30-minute presentation celebrating the launch of Explore Vancouver Washington: A Local Guide to Southwest Washington followed by a Q& A session.Talk will highlight the Fort as a powerful starting point for understanding V......More

On May 9th join local author Patty Grasher for a 30-minute presentation celebrating the launch of Explore Vancouver Washington: A Local Guide to Southwest Washington followed by a Q& A session.Talk will highlight the Fort as a powerful starting point for understanding Vancouver’s layered history from Indigenous communities and the Hudson’s Bay Company to the U.S. Army presence. These stories connect to what visitors experience today.Drawing from her guidebook Patty will share insights into what visitors often overlook and how to explore the Fort and surrounding historic reserve in a more meaningful and connected way.The presentation will also recognize the work of photographer Jonathan E. Kraft whose images throughout the guidebook help bring Vancouver’s history landscapes and community to life.Copies of the guidebook will be available for purchase in the Friends of Fort Vancouver bookstore.

Life After the Great Eruption: Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center Talk

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site presents a special program about Mount St. Helens After the Eruption, on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Theater. This presentation will be given by Fort Vancouver volunteer Alex Lennox and will ex......More

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site presents a special program about Mount St. Helens After the Eruption, on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center Theater. This presentation will be given by Fort Vancouver volunteer Alex Lennox and will explore what happened after the transformative 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.While the eruption itself dramatically changed the region in a single day, the story of what followed is equally compelling. This program examines how the blast reshaped forests, rivers, and wildlife habitat across the surrounding landscape and how nearby communities experienced and responded to the event in the days, months, and years that followed.Through an engaging discussion, visitors will explore the long-term environmental and human impacts of the eruption and learn how scientists, land managers, and local communities have observed the remarkable recovery and renewal of the landscape over the decades since the eruption. The program highlights themes of change, resilience, and adaptation, offering a deeper understanding of how people and nature respond to dramatic environmental events.

2026 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony

The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 am. This annual ceremony at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground honors men and women who have lost their lives in service ......More

The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11 am. This annual ceremony at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground honors men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country. Visitors may view the garrison flag raising, Mountain Howitzer cannon firing, and a wreath laying ceremony in honor of fallen heroes. Vancouver’s Memorial Day Observance is free of charge.CMAC organizes this annual event with the support of its partners: the City of Vancouver, National Park Service (NPS), Clark County, Waste Connections, Northwest Natural Gas, and 40 et 8. For over 170 years, the Vancouver Barracks has been a center for military community. The Vancouver Barracks is now preserved by the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Speakers at the event will include Superintendent Tracy Fortmann, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, with a keynote speaker. Complimentary light lunch items will be available to the public, courtesy of the Vancouver Lions, Red Cross Cascades Region, and the Military Officers Association of America.CMAC is an all-inclusive group composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veterans’ groups, and local governments. CMAC executes and plans community-wide events, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Our Community Salutes, and POW/MIA Day ceremonies, as well as recognition and support of military families of all services. Learn more about CMAC at www.cmac11.com. 

Remembrance ceremony will be held adjacent to the post flag located across from Evergreen BLVD.