Clark County Historical Museum Explores 200 Years Of Brewing, Temperance And Prohibition (Photo) - 08/19/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark County Historical Museum will continue its Speaker Series with “Brewing & Distilling in the Pacific Northwest: Trade, Saloons, Temperance, Prohibition & the Brewing Boom,” a presentation exploring the complicated and fascinating history of alcohol in the Pacific Northwest.

Presented by Dr. Sam Busick, Ed.D., the program will examine how brewing and distilling have shaped the region’s history, from the fur trade and Fort Vancouver to nineteenth-century saloons, the temperance movement, Prohibition, Lucky Lager, and the modern craft brewing boom.

Far more than a story about beer and liquor, the presentation explores the connections between alcohol and trade, immigration, economic development, politics, social reform, and government regulation. Attendees will learn how Vancouver’s brewing industry grew alongside the city, how saloons became important centers of social and political life, and how the temperance movement helped fuel broader debates over women’s suffrage and political power.

The program will also highlight the often colorful history of Prohibition in Clark County, including bootlegging, illegal stills, liquor raids, and the challenges faced by local law enforcement. The presentation will follow the industry through the return of legal brewing after Prohibition, the rise of Lucky Lager in Vancouver, the decline of large-scale local brewing, and the eventual emergence of the region’s modern craft brewing movement.

The presentation also complements the museum’s History A’ Brewin’exhibit, which explores 200 years of beer manufacture in Clark County. The exhibit traces the history of local brewing from its earliest beginnings through the rise of major breweries and the modern revival of craft beer. History A’ Brewin’ will remain on display only into early 2027, providing visitors with a limited opportunity to explore this important chapter of Clark County history.

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.

Sam previously worked in public service for Congressman Brian Baird and is a licensed real estate broker in Washington and Oregon. He volunteers with the Clark County Historical Museum, contributing historical research and writing to support museum exhibits. He has also spent more than two decades coaching and mentoring youth athletes throughout Southwest Washington.

Thursday, Sep 3, 2026

Doors open at 6 PM, talk begins at 7 PM

Clark County Historical Museum
1511 Main Street
Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: Free for CCHM Members, $5 for Non-Members (registration required)

For tickets, event details, and additional information, visit www.cchmusuem.org

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.

Clark County Historical Museum Presents History On Tap: The Campbells And The Columbian (Photo) - 07/28/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) invites the community to the next installment of its popular History on Tap series on Thursday, August 20, 2026, featuring Will Campbell, fourth-generation owner of The Columbian and the newspaper's Innovation Editor.

The evening will explore the history of the Campbell family's stewardship of The Columbian, beginning with Will's great-grandfather, Herbert J. Campbell, who purchased the newspaper in 1921. Attendees will learn how The Columbian has grown alongside Vancouver over the past century, the newspaper's enduring role in Southwest Washington, and the opportunities and challenges shaping its future.

Will Campbell directs The Columbian's special projects, including Community Funded Journalism and the newspaper's expanding portfolio of community events. After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism in 2017, Campbell 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.

This installment of History on Tap will be held at the Clark County Historical Museum, located at 1511 Main Street in Vancouver, rather than its usual venue at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield. The temporary venue change was made because the historic theater is not equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a more comfortable experience for attendees during the summer months.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free for Clark County Historical Museum members and $5 for non-members. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required.

History on Tap is a lecture series that brings regional history to life through engaging presentations from historians, authors, researchers, and community leaders. The series explores the people, places, and stories that have shaped Clark County and the Pacific Northwest.

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.

For more information or to register, visit the Clark County Historical Museum's website: www.cchmuseum.org

Clark County Historical Museum To Celebrate New Exhibit And Grand Opening Of Vancouver Visitor Center On August 8 (Photo) - 07/23/26

VANCOUVER, Wash. - 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 Opening
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

Admission: Free