Clark County Historical Museum

05/29/2026

: We’re keeping this week marching along with a little school spirit, and a lot of brass.

From the museum’s collection, this 1945 photograph shows the Shumway Junior High marching band posed outside the school. Uniformed student musicians fill the steps with horns, drums, and band pride, while two baton twirlers kneel in front and frame the group.

There is something especially good about this image, too. It is formal in composition, but full of personality. You can almost feel the pride in the uniforms, the effort behind the rehearsals, and the sense that this group wanted to be seen and remembered together. That, too, is part of local arts history.

As part of this week’s partnership, Artstra members and supporters will receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum through May 30. How? Just mention “Artstra” at the front desk when you check in!

Artstra is a southwest Washington nonprofit dedicated to elevating the arts in Clark County through advocacy, partnerships, and community-centered programs. Their work supports visual art, music, theater, dance, literary arts, media arts, and more, helping connect people with creativity across the county.

Photo Description: A black-and-white group photograph shows the 1945 Shumway Junior High marching band posed on the front steps of the school. Rows of uniformed student musicians hold brass and woodwind instruments, while drummers and two baton twirlers kneel in front of the group.

05/28/2026

: One of the first stories staged in Clark’s new playhouse in the autumn of 1958 was also one of the hardest.

From the museum’s collection, this photograph shows Clark Junior College’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank, presented in November 1958 at the Penguin Playhouse in Vancouver.

According to The Columbian archives, it was not only the first play of Clark’s 1958–59 season, but also the first to be presented in the new Playhouse, which had opened that fall in the Barracks. That means one of the first stories to fill that new theater space was one already known for its intimacy, urgency, and heartbreak.

Directed by Hermine Decker, the production starred Carol Wedin of Battle Ground as Anne Frank, with a cast drawn from across the area. There is something especially moving in that: Clark County students, on a Clark County stage, asking a Clark County audience to sit with a story of fear, confinement, hope, and loss.

Clark County’s arts scene has never been only about applause. It has also made room for stories that ask something of the audience.

Artstra is a southwest Washington nonprofit dedicated to elevating the arts in Clark County through advocacy, partnerships, and community-centered programs. Their work supports visual art, music, theater, dance, literary arts, media arts, and more, helping connect people with creativity across the county.
As part of this week’s collaboration, all Artsra members and supporters will receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum through May 30. How, you ask? Just mention “Artstra” at the front desk when you check in. See you soon!

Photo Description: A black-and-white stage photograph from the museum’s collection shows a scene from Clark Junior College’s 1958 production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Several student actors stand and sit around a table inside a detailed interior set, with hanging lamps, simple furniture, and dark wooden walls suggesting the crowded rooms of the Secret Annex.

05/27/2026

: Traditionally, "arts-scene" posts do not usually arrive in armor. This one does.

Today, we’re making room for the kinds of creativity that do not always fit neatly into one box. These images from the museum's collection come from a March 3, 1974, article in The Columbian covering the (at the time) Principality of An Tir's Coronet Tournament and Festival held the day before in Vancouver.

For those less familiar, the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, is a non-profit organization devoted to researching and recreating aspects of the Middle Ages through costuming, combat, music, dance, craft, and performance. In 1974, The Columbian described An Tir as "encompassing Washington, Oregon, and part of British Columbia."

The Columbian covered the March 2nd tournament as a local event of sword fighting and spectacle; however, The An Tir Chronicles (Vol. 1) record that, "On March the 2, Richard of Ravenwolf triumphed over the field to become in successive
ceremonies: Sir Richard Ravenwolf and Prince Richard of An Tir," where after "His Highness chose his lady, Linore' of Lynxhaven to be Princess..."

The Columbian's article made room for the larger world around them, too: the armor and battle gear, yes, but also the handmade costumes, jewelry, furnishings, theatrical groups, and the pageantry that brought the festival to life.

And there is a local thread still running through it. The museum itself is located in the Barony of Stromgard SCA Inc., the Vancouver-area branch of what became, in 1982, the Kingdom of An Tir. In other words, this making, performing, and historical play has not vanished from the local arts landscape. It is still here.

Artstra is a southwest Washington nonprofit dedicated to elevating the arts in Clark County through advocacy, partnerships, and community-centered programs. Their work supports visual art, music, theater, dance, literary arts, media arts, and more, helping connect people with creativity across the county.

As part of this week’s partnership, Artstra members and supporters receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum through May 30. Just mention “Artstra social media post” at the front desk when you check in.

Till the next morrow, friends.

Photo Description: This graphic combines three black-and-white photographs from the museum’s collection documenting a 1974 Coronet Tournament and festival in Vancouver. The largest image shows an armored participant peering over a decorated shield, while the two smaller images capture fighters in action and another shield-bearing figure standing near scattered gear and seated spectators.

05/26/2026

: Welcome to a new week of Highlighting History, Clark County! This one’s for the artists, performers, students, and stages.

As International Arts Education Week begins, we’re excited to partner with Artstra to shine a spotlight on some Moments from Clark County’s Arts Scene.

From the museum’s collection, this circa 1910 photo shows the Cardinal Glee Club, one of Vancouver High School’s student music groups. Several of the young women identified in the image also appear as in Vancouver High School’s June 17, 1910, graduation coverage in The Columbian, which helps place the photograph in that moment.

Identified members in the image include: Mabel Metcalf (later Wiley; 1893-1975), Esther Chapman (later Carroll; 1893-1986), Lucy J. Nugent (later Monfils; 1891-1975), Frances Converse (unk.), Frances Riggs (later Morse; 1893-1967), Nellie Alben (1892-1971), Dea Gilroy (later Stoner; 1893-1979), Miss Wassou*, Miss Carver*, Theresa Hilstrom (later Bates; 1889-1979), Annis Scotton (later Hathaway; 1892-1990), Lillie Gilroy (later Higdon; 1891-1968), Gladys Byham (later Morgan; 1893-1964), Mabel Hilstrom (later Walsh; 1894-1967), Zeta Miller (later Jenny; 1893-1920), Anita Clarke*, Alice Nicholeu*, Mabel Fanning (later McMillan; 1889-1964), Blanche Chapman, Kathleen Kincaid (later Williams; 1891-1987), Louise Magent, Bertha Lynch (later Bliss, 1890-1974), Freda Bier (later Melvin; 1891-1982), Ethel Vessey (later Hunter; 1892-1981), Ellen Alben (later Rice; 1896-1964), Mary Brown (later Perkins & Clement; 1893-1989), Martha Griffith (later Payne; 1890-1970), and Ette Stuart (later Trouten; 1891-1959).

The graduation program itself, that June day, had a little flair. Alongside the speeches and diplomas were selections by the High School Orchestra, a piano duet, the High School Glee Club, and a chorus by the Cardinal Glee Club during the conferring of diplomas.

That feels like a pretty great way to begin. All week long, we’ll be sharing stories and images that spotlight artists, spaces, and creative moments that helped shape Clark County’s cultural life.

As part of this week's partnership, Artstra members and supporters will receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum during the week of May 26–30. How, you may wonder? Just mention "Artstra" at the front desk when you check in.
We’re looking forward to bringing a few of these moments back into the spotlight with you.

Photo Description: A formal group portrait shows the Cardinal Glee Club posed in four rows against a dark backdrop. The young women wear high-collared blouses and dresses typical of the early twentieth century, creating a striking image of student performers from Vancouver High School. Black and white; 1910.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we take the time to honor and remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their selfless dedication and ultimate sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

Photo Description: From the museum's collection, this black and white image shows a long column of U.S. Army soldiers from the 7th Infantry marching down a dirt road during a Memorial Day parade. Led by a small marching band with drums and bugles, the uniformed troops carry rifles over their shoulders and flags aloft as they pass rural houses and a fence. Hand-drawn text on the bottom-left corner of the image reads, "7th Infantry Memorial Day 1928 Vancouver, Wash."

05/23/2026

Next week, during International Arts Education Week, we’re excited to partner with Artstra for a new round of here on our museum social media pages.

For the uninitiated, Artstra is a southwest Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to elevating the arts in Clark County through advocacy, partnerships, and community-centered programs. Their work supports visual art, music, theater, dance, literary arts, media arts, and more, helping connect people with creativity across the county, and we couldn't be prouder to be community partners.

All week long, we’ll be sharing stories and images that spotlight artists, spaces, and creative moments that helped shape Clark County’s cultural life. It’s a chance to look back at some of the people and places that made this county more vibrant, expressive, and interesting.

Artstra members and supporters will receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum during the week of May 26–30. How? Just mention “ARTSTRA” at the front desk when you check in!

We’re looking forward to bringing a few of these moments back into the spotlight with you.

05/23/2026

: We’re wrapping up the week with a house full of history — and, at one point, frankly, quite a lot of canaries.

The historic Lang House at 2400 H Street was built in 1918 for Ray Warren Lang (1885-1976) and his wife, Hazel (1888-1989; née Watters). Designed in the Arts and Crafts style, the house remains part of the neighborhood’s iconic early twentieth-century streetscape.

Ray, who was born in Minneapolis, worked for years as an electrician, including for the GMSC Corporation and later for the North Pacific Terminal Company in Portland. He also joined Mount Hood Lodge No. 32 of the Masons in 1919. But it is Hazel who gives this house one of its most unforgettable stories.

Over the years, Hazel Lang became known as the local canary expert. In 1928, she won first and second prizes in Seattle for her Siefert roller canaries. In 1932, she returned from Seattle’s Queen City bird show with four silver cups and eight ribbons. She hosted meetings of the International Roller Canary Club, opened them up to anyone interested in bird culture, and even began holding an all-day monthly clinic for birds suffering from ailments ranging from colds to indigestion and tumors.

By 1937, Hazel and her birds had made it to KOIN radio, where listeners were invited to meet “your Northwest Neighbor Mrs. R.W. Lang of Vancouver, Washington, and her twin canaries, Tom & Jerry, and Amos & Andy," with a "supporting chorus of 50 canaries” on a program called Things to Know about Canaries.

Records show that Ray and Hazel remained in this house well into the 1970s, and for at least 50 years, Hazel spent her days there tending to the birds she loved oh so much.

Today is the last day for all Arnada Neighborhood Association members and supporters to receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum. How? Just mention “Arnada Neighborhood social media post" at the front desk when you check in. We’ve loved spending this week celebrating 120 years of Arnada.

Photo Description: A two-story Arts and Crafts house with dark red siding and white trim stands behind tall green hedges and a black iron gate. The home has a wide front porch, tapered columns, a centered dormer, and a straight walkway leading up to the front steps.
Photo courtesy of

05/22/2026

: Most people in Clark County know the name "Kiggins" from the glowing theatre marquee sign at 1011 Main St. The man behind that iconic landmark lived here.

Welcome to the J.P. Kiggins House. Built in 1907, it is one of Arnada’s standout homes. Designed in the Craftsman style, it rises 2½ stories with a gabled roof and is considered unusually tall for the type. Its exposed rafter ends, scrolled brackets, and decorative stick-work in the upper gable still show off the skill of the builder.

That builder was John Philip Kiggins (1868-1941) himself.

Today, Kiggins is best remembered for the aforementioned Kiggins Theatre, but he was far more than the name on a marquee. Born in Nashville and raised in Washington, D.C., he arrived in Vancouver in 1892 and became one of the city’s most prominent figures. Over the next several decades, he served as mayor of Vancouver nine times, and also worked as a building contractor, plumber, and county commissioner. Along with this house, he helped shape Vancouver’s built landscape through commercial construction and the creation of both the Kiggins and Castle theaters.

The house was originally built at 409 E. 10th Street, today’s Evergreen Boulevard, and Kiggins lived there until his death in 1941. The Kiggins family remained connected to the house until 1995, when it was sold and converted into office space. Later, plans for the new Vancouver library complex on Evergreen Blvd. threatened the building, so it was moved to its present home at 2404 H Street, beside Arnada Park, and carefully restored. Sometimes historic preservation means keeping a house exactly where it started, and other times it means making sure the house survives long enough to tell its story somewhere new.

Please note: this is a private residence, so we encourage admiring it from the sidewalk and respecting the privacy of those who live there.

This week, Arnada Neighborhood Association members and supporters receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum. Just mention “Arnada Neighborhood” at the front desk when you check in.

Photo Description: A large taupe Craftsman house rises behind a black iron fence and decorative gate, with a deep front porch, brick columns, and a small fountain in the yard. Tall trees frame the house, and the historic home now stands beside Arnada Park. Photo courtesy of ; 2026.

05/22/2026

🍻 Two nights down into our new History on Tap season at the historic Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield, and friends… Clark County is showing up!

Tonight, we gathered for a screening of "Our Mr. Matsura," followed by a conversation with filmmaker Beth Harrington, who joined us in person to share the documentary and answer our audience's questions.

The film tells the story of Frank Matsura (1873-1913), a Japanese-born photographer who made his home in Okanogan County in the early 1900s. Through portraits full of humor, warmth, and connection, Matsura documented Native people, settlers, ranchers, shopkeepers, workers, families, and friends... not as stiff figures from the past, but as full, vivid people. And that is where the magic is.

Matsura’s photographs feel startlingly alive. Playful. Collaborative. Human. They remind us that history is not just what happened, but it is who was seen, who was remembered, and who got to help shape the story.

Huge thanks to Beth Harrington for bringing "Our Mr. Matsura" to our community, to everyone who joined us tonight, and to the wonderful team at the Old Liberty Theater for making our new History on Tap home for the 2026 season feel so welcoming.

Tonight was made possible by our season sponsors, Old Liberty Theater and Ridgefield Main Street, with media sponsorship from The Columbian and program support from Enspire Arts and Silver Keys Media.

Here’s to historic theaters, good conversations, and the kind of history that stays with you after the lights come up. ✨

05/21/2026

: Every old house has a story that goes way back, and sometimes it also has an abstract of title to prove it.

From the museum’s collection, this worn abstract of title traces one small piece of Arnada through decades of change. In simple terms, an abstract of title is the running paper trail for a property, all in one document: who owned it, who borrowed against it, and how it changed hands over time.

This particular one begins in the time of federal patents and settler-era land claims, moves through probate, mortgages, and repeated sales, and ends in the world of savings-and-loan financing and monthly payments. Along the way, the land passed through the hands of families whose names included Holstein, Brown, Remlinger, Wirt, Swan, Thompson, Pingry, Raguse, and White through the 1930s. What started off as part of a much larger tract of land gradually became something more familiar: a residential parcel tied to the Arnada Park Addition, measured against 20th Street and the neighborhood’s blocks.
And that is really why this rolled document matters: It shows Arnada taking shape over time — by deed, by mortgage, by tax payment, and even by the laying out of streets and alleys.
By the time this abstract ends in June 1937, the land is no longer being treated like open acreage or a development gamble. It has become the paper trail of ordinary homeownership.

Occasionally, local history comes with a grand façade, and sometimes it comes in a worn little bundle of pages tucked away in an archival box that quietly explains how an area came to be.

This week through Saturday, Arnada Neighborhood Association members and supporters receive FREE admission to the Clark County Historical Museum! How? Just mention “Arnada Neighborhood” at the front desk when you check in. See you at the museum!

Photo Description: A worn, yellowed abstract of title stands open on a small display stand. The cover reads “Abstract of Title” and identifies real estate in Clark County, Washington, including Arnada Park Addition. Its creased pages are filled with typed entries recording decades of ownership, mortgages, and title history spanning from 1870 to 1937.
Photo courtesy of

05/21/2026

Calling all Providence Academy alums! 👀

The Historic Trust is seeking alumni from Providence Academy! ⛪🔔

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the final graduating class of Providence Academy. We are seeking alumni to join us as we honor and celebrate those who graduated with the final class in 1966 alongside anyone who attended the Academy at any point in the past.

🗣️ We would love to hear from you! All alumni and faculty are encouraged to reach out to us by calling our office at 360-992-1800 or sending an email to [email protected].

Thanks for helping us spread the word!