Clark County Historical Museum

Emergency Messages as of 11:30 AM, Fri. Mar 13

No information currently posted.

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Clark County Historical Museum.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Vancouver’s Poet: The Life And Works Of Mary Barnard (Photo) - 03/13/26

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum will kick off National Poetry Month with a special installment of its Speaker Series, featuring local literary historian Betty Bell. The program, “Vancouver’s Poet: The Life and Works of Mary Barnard,” will explore the life and legacy of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most accomplished yet understated literary figures.

 

Mary Barnard, a Vancouver poet and translator, emerged as a distinctive voice in 20th century modernist poetry. Her work drew on both classical influences and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, shaping a style known for its clarity, restraint, and vivid imagery. From her early years exploring the forests and beaches of the region to her studies at Reed College and her time among literary circles in New York City, Barnard forged a remarkable path in American poetry.

 

The evening will be presented by Betty Bell, a close personal friend of Barnard who later served as her literary executor. Drawing on personal memories as well as decades of research, Bell will offer a unique perspective on Barnard’s life, creative process, and enduring legacy. The program will also explore Barnard’s connections with literary figures such as Ezra Pound and her celebrated translation of Sappho, a work that remains widely regarded as a classic.

 

Attendees will hear readings from Barnard’s poetry and learn more about the personal and professional journey of a writer whose quiet brilliance continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

 

The program will be held at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. This Speaker Series event is made possible through the generous support of the Historic Preservation Commission, media sponsorship from The Columbian, and a partnership with the National Parks Service.

 

Event Details


Fort Vancouver Visitor Center
1501 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661

 

Doors open at 6 PM
Program begins at 7 PM

 

Admission is free, but registration is required as space is very limited. Register by visiting www.cchmuseum.org.

Attached Media Files: April2026SS.png,

Vancouver’s Poet: The Life And Works Of Mary Barnard (Photo) - 03/13/26

VANCOUVER, WA — The Clark County Historical Museum will kick off National Poetry Month with a special installment of its Speaker Series, featuring local literary historian Betty Bell. The program, “Vancouver’s Poet: The Life and Works of Mary Barnard,” will explore the life and legacy of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most accomplished yet understated literary figures.

 

Mary Barnard, a Vancouver poet and translator, emerged as a distinctive voice in 20th century modernist poetry. Her work drew on both classical influences and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, shaping a style known for its clarity, restraint, and vivid imagery. From her early years exploring the forests and beaches of the region to her studies at Reed College and her time among literary circles in New York City, Barnard forged a remarkable path in American poetry.

 

The evening will be presented by Betty Bell, a close personal friend of Barnard who later served as her literary executor. Drawing on personal memories as well as decades of research, Bell will offer a unique perspective on Barnard’s life, creative process, and enduring legacy. The program will also explore Barnard’s connections with literary figures such as Ezra Pound and her celebrated translation of Sappho, a work that remains widely regarded as a classic.

 

Attendees will hear readings from Barnard’s poetry and learn more about the personal and professional journey of a writer whose quiet brilliance continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

 

The program will be held at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center. This Speaker Series event is made possible through the generous support of the Historic Preservation Commission, media sponsorship from The Columbian, and a partnership with the National Parks Service.

 

Event Details


Fort Vancouver Visitor Center
1501 E Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661

 

Doors open at 6 PM
Program begins at 7 PM

 

Admission is free, but registration is required as space is very limited. Register by visiting www.cchmuseum.org.

Attached Media Files: April2026SS.png,