Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “The Blacklist Era And Hollywood” With Film Critic Robert Horton (Photo) -06/17/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sammuel Hawkins
Outreach & Public Programs Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
360-993-5679 | outreach@cchmuseum.org
More info: cchmuseum.org

Clark County Historical Museum Presents: “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood” with Film Critic Robert Horton

Vancouver, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum, in partnership with Humanities Washington and the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission, is proud to host acclaimed film critic and historian Robert Horton for a compelling presentation titled “The Blacklist Era and Hollywood.” The event will take place Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Battle Ground Event Center (912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the presentation running from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required due to very limited seating.

At the height of the Cold War, a single question cast a long shadow over American cinema: “Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” This thought-provoking presentation examines the impact of the 1940s Red Scare, when the House Committee on Un-American Activities thrust actors, writers, and directors into the national spotlight, forcing them to either “name names” or face blacklisting and career ruin.

Illustrated with iconic film clips, Horton explores how patriotism, fear, and politics collided in Hollywood through the experiences of industry legends like Humphrey Bogart, Elia Kazan, and Charlie Chaplin. He concludes with a provocative question for today's audiences: Could it happen again?

Robert Horton (he/him) is a nationally respected voice in film criticism. With bylines in the Seattle Weekly, the Everett Herald, and on KUOW, he is a member of the National Society of Film Critics and author of several books, including a study of Frankenstein. Horton has also served as a Fulbright specialist, Smithsonian Journeys speaker, and educator at Seattle University and London’s Architectural Association. He currently hosts The Music and the Movies radio show and resides in Seattle.

Please note: This event will not be held at the Clark County Historical Museum.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Venue: Battle Ground Event Center
Address: 912 East Main Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Program: 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free (registration required)

For more information and to reserve your seat, visit www.cchmuseum.org.

Clark County Historical Museum Launches “Explore Clark County” Lunchtime Walking Tour Series With Tracy Reilly-Kelly (Photo) -06/16/25

Vancouver, WA – This summer, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) invites you to take a break from your desk and step into the stories of our community with Explore Clark County—a brand-new walking tour series led by longtime museum team member and local historian Tracy Reilly-Kelly.

These free lunchtime tours will take place on select Fridays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., offering a quick but fascinating dive into the people, places, and events that have shaped Clark County. Each week, Tracy will lead guests through a different neighborhood or historical theme, featuring her favorite hidden gems, newly uncovered stories, and beloved sites that help paint the rich tapestry of our region’s past.

“This is a wonderful way to reconnect with local history in under an hour,” says Brad Richardson, CCHM’s Executive Director. “Tracy brings an incredible passion for storytelling and deep knowledge of our community. These tours are perfect for locals, downtown workers, or anyone curious about Clark County’s past.”

2025 Tour Schedule:

• June 20 – Women’s HerStory: Librarians, Merchants, YWCA + Clubs
  Meet at the Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main St, Vancouver)
• July 11 – Downtown Neighborhood: Upper Main / Hough West
  Explore Vancouver’s early housing developments and neighborhoods
  Meet at the Museum
• July 18 – Kauffman Ave: Urban + Rural
  Uncover the origins of the Fruit Valley Neighborhood
  Meet at John Ball Park (2300 E 20th St)
• August 15 – Horrible Homicides vs Early Churches + Revival Grounds
  A dramatic tour of the Courthouse District
  Meet at the Clark County Courthouse (1200 Franklin St)
• August 22 – Arnada: Who Are Margaret Ranns, Anna Eastham, and Ida Elwell?
  Discover the lives of the women behind the neighborhood
  Meet at Arnada Park (2404 H St)
• September 12 – Old City Cemetery: Find This Summer’s People
  Explore stories of early residents and summer discoveries
  Meet at the corner of 13th & Z St, near Grand Blvd & Mill Plain

All tours are under one hour and designed to fit perfectly into your lunch break. No registration required—just show up ready to explore!

For more information, visit www.cchmuseum.org or call (360) 993-5679. Follow CCHM on Facebook and Instagram for updates and weather-related announcements.

Media Contact:
Sammuel Hawkins, Public Programs & Outreach Manager
Clark County Historical Museum
Email: outreach@cchmuseum.org
Phone: (360) 993-5679
Website: www.cchmuseum.org

McLoughlin Heights Church Of God Hosts Community Safety & Wellness Day (Photo) -06/09/25

Vancouver, Wash. – The McLoughlin Heights Church of God will host their first day of connection, safety, and fun for the whole family on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 901 Winchell Ave, Vancouver, WA 98661.

This free public event brings together local organizations—including the American Red Cross, Clark County Historical Museum, and the Clark County Food Bank—to offer engaging activities, life-saving education, and family entertainment in a welcoming community space.

Visitors will have the opportunity to:

•           Learn critical emergency response techniques at the Red Cross CPR Training Booth

•           Explore local stories and heritage at the Clark County Historical Museum Booth

•           Sign up for free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education

•           Shop for hidden treasures at a White Elephant Sale

•           Enjoy raffles, games, and other fun activities for all ages

The day will conclude with a closing worship service at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, open to all who wish to attend and celebrate the spirit of community.

This event is made possible through collaboration between McLoughlin Heights Church of God and local civic and nonprofit partners dedicated to community well-being, education, and safety.

We invite families and neighbors across Clark County to join us for a meaningful and memorable day!

Celebrate The Season At The Summer Solstice Native Arts Market (Photo) -06/05/25

Celebrate the Season at the Summer Solstice Native Arts Market

Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free Admission
Clark County Historical Museum | 1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum invites the community to celebrate the change of the seasons at the Summer Solstice Native Arts Market on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings together the region’s rich Indigenous cultures through art, music, and storytelling.

Visitors will have the opportunity to browse and shop from 17 Native artists and makers, offering a wide range of handcrafted goods including jewelry, textiles, carvings, prints, and more. Every purchase directly supports Indigenous artists and their cultural expression.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Sherrie Davis, an award-winning Native American flute recording artist, will perform throughout the event, offering a soulful soundtrack to the celebration.

Attendees will also enjoy free admission to the museum for the entire day, providing full access to exhibitions that share the stories and heritage of Southwest Washington—including those of its original stewards.

For more information, visit cchmuseum.org or call 360-993-5679

History On Tap Returns To Kiggins Theatre With A Colorful Tour Of México (Photo) -05/21/25

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Historical Museum’s popular program History on Tap returns Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the historic Kiggins Theatre (1011 Main Street, Vancouver, WA) with “History on Tap: Vancouver Ballet Folklorico Presents – TOUR OF MÉXICO.”

This dynamic and engaging evening will take audiences on a visual and musical journey through Mexico with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico. The program will showcase authentic dances from various regions of the country, highlighting the rich cultural diversity of Mexican traditions through music, fashion, and storytelling. From the southern states to the northern borders, each dance offers a unique glimpse into Mexico’s vibrant heritage. The evening will also include a fashion show of traditional costumes and live performances by VBF dancers.

Founded nearly 12 years ago in Vancouver, Vancouver Ballet Folklórico is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and engaging children of Hispanic descent through traditional Mexican dance. Led by founder and director Anna Cruz, whose commitment to cultural preservation has earned her accolades such as the Keeper of the Culture Award, the 2024 Iris Awards, and the Latino Art BRAVO Award, VBF has become a beloved cultural institution in Clark County.

“TOUR OF MÉXICO” promises to educate, inspire, and entertain—making it a perfect summer outing for families, history buffs, and lovers of culture and dance.

Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door, and free for Clark County Historical Museum members. Purchase online at Kigginstheatre.com.

This event is made possible by the generous support of VDA, Heritage Bank, Port of Vancouver, and Giving Solutions Group.

For more information, visit cchmuseum.org or call 360-993-5679.

CCHM Speaker Series Explores The National Legacy Of Fort Vancouver (Photo) -05/20/25

CCHM Speaker Series Explores the National Legacy of Fort Vancouver

Special Event Features Curator Meagan Huff at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center – June 5, 2025

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is proud to present a special edition of its Speaker Series, "Fort Vancouver and the Story of America," on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center (1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, though seating is limited and pre-registration is encouraged.

This compelling evening will be led by Meagan Huff, museum curator at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and a longtime Vancouver resident. Huff will delve into the rich and evolving history of Fort Vancouver, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most significant historical sites. From its beginnings as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post to its modern role as a National Park Service landmark, Fort Vancouver tells a story that reflects the broader American experience.

The presentation will highlight:

• The founding and historical significance of Fort Vancouver
   

• Archaeological discoveries that shed new light on the site’s past
   

• The fort’s role in the broader national narrative of colonialism, migration, and military presence
   

• How our understanding and interpretation of the site have evolved over time
   

Huff has served in museum collections management at Fort Vancouver since 2010. She holds degrees in History, Art History, and Museum Studies from the University of Washington and brings both academic expertise and personal passion to her work.

This special installment of the CCHM Speaker Series is made possible by the generous support of the Historic Preservation Commission, Pomeroy Living History Farm, and Vancouver Sign.

For more information and to pre-register, please visit www.cchmuseum.org or contact Sammuel Hawkins at Outreach@cchmuseum.org or 360-993-5679.

About the Clark County Historical Museum
The Clark County Historical Museum has served the region since 1964, dedicated to gathering, preserving, and sharing the stories of Clark County and the Pacific Northwest. Through exhibits, public programs, and community partnerships, CCHM fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage.