CCHM Speaker Series Presents: “The Union Makes Us Stronger” — A Special Talk On Labor History By Dr. Laurie Mercier (Photo) -04/18/25

VANCOUVER, WA — In celebration of May Day—International Workers’ Day, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) proudly presents the next installment in its Speaker Series: “The Union Makes Us Stronger – Labor History in Clark County and the Pacific Northwest,” a fascinating talk by distinguished historian Dr. Laurie Mercier.

 

Join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2025, as Dr. Mercier explores how labor unions and working people have shaped the history of Clark County and the broader Pacific Northwest. Drawing from her research and the museum’s exhibit Labor: A Working History, she’ll reveal the rich and often surprising stories of local workers—connecting regional struggles for better conditions and the eight-hour workday to global movements for workers’ rights.

 

Laurie Mercier is the Claudius O. and Mary W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of History at Washington State University Vancouver, where since 1995 she has taught the history of the United States, the Pacific Northwest, immigration and migration, women, and labor. She is the former associate director of the Center for Columbia River History, a former president of the Oral History Association, former co-director of the WSUV Center for Social and Environmental Justice, and co-director of the WSUV Columbia River Basin Ethnic History Archive project.

 

Mercier has authored numerous publications that explore the intersections of class, race, gender, and region, and about memory and oral history, including the books Speaking History: The American Past through Oral Histories, 1865-2001; Mining Women: Gender in the Development of a Global Industry, 1670-2000; and Anaconda: Labor, Community, and Culture in Montana’s Smelter City. Over the years she has collaborated often with the Museum, including co-curating the exhibits Labor: A Working History (2013-15) and Bridging the Gap: the History of the I-5 Columbia River Bridge (2011-12).

 

This event is free and open to the public.

 

Event Details:
What: CCHM Speaker Series: The Union Makes Us Stronger – Labor History in Clark County and the Pacific Northwest
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2025

Time: 7 PM (Doors open at 6 PM)
Where: Clark County Historical Museum
Cost: Free and open to all

 

For more information, visit: www.cchmuseum.org

Media contact:

Sammuel Hawkins, Outreach & Public Programs Manager, Clark County Historical Museum

Outreach@cchmuseum.org

360-993-5679

Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “History On Tap – Vancouver’s First Black Families” With Historian Melissa Williams (Photo) -04/18/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2025

Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “History on Tap – Vancouver’s First Black Families” with Historian Melissa Williams

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Historical Museum is proud to announce the next installment of its popular History on Tap series, Vancouver’s First Black Families, featuring historian Melissa Williams. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) at Kiggins Theatre, located at 1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

In this thought-provoking presentation, Williams will explore the African American experience in Vancouver from 1940 to 1960. Attendees will learn about the formation of Black communities during World War II, the systemic challenges many families faced after the war, and the enduring legacies left by Vancouver’s first Black residents.

Melissa Williams (she/her) is a respected U.S. historian with a focus on African American history. Over the past two decades, she has contributed to a wide range of community-based historical projects and has worked with organizations such as the Center for Columbia River History, Vancouver NAACP #1139, and Portland State University. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of Washington, an M.A. in Public History from Washington State University Vancouver, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Portland State University. Williams also serves as the Policy Associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Event Admission:

● Free for CCHM members
● $5 in advance for the general public
● $10 at the door

Tickets available at: www.kigginstheatre.com

For more information about the event and the Clark County Historical Museum, visit www.cchmuseum.org.

The 2025 History on Tap season is presented by Vancouver’s Downtown Association, with generous support from Heritage Bank and Versa Events. This program is sponsored by C-Tran, The Arts Centered, Clark College Foundation, and Fourth Plain Forward.

About the Clark County Historical Museum:

The Clark County Historical Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of Clark County’s past. Through dynamic exhibits, public programs, and community partnerships, the museum engages people of all ages in exploring the history and heritage of Southwest Washington.

Media Contact:

Sammuel Hawkins

Outreach & Public Programs Manager, Clark County Historical Museum

outreach@cchmuseum.org

360-993-5679