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.
