The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to announce that a World War II living history encampment will occur on Saturday, July 20, from 9 am to 5 pm. This free event is in partnership with the Living History Group Northwest, a local World War II living history organization.  

“The U.S. Army had over 160 years of history here, and the military story at Vancouver Barracks definitely includes World War II,” said Supervisory Park Ranger Bob Cromwell. “During World War II this was the Vancouver Port of Embarkation, and Army units were organized, equipped, and shipped out to combat theaters in Africa, Europe and the Pacific.”

The reenactors will portray members of various U.S. Army units from World War II, as well as the homefront workers commonly known as “Rosie the Riveter.” The volunteers will bring World War II uniforms, weapons, tents and equipment, including period Army jeeps, and trucks. The encampment will be set up to the west of Pearson Air Museum, and will include temporary exhibits inside of the museum’s Historic Hangar.

“We are excited to grow this partnership with the National Park Service to bring a World War II living history event to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site,” said Eric Porter, Unit Commander of the 113th Cavalry Living History Group. “This is the fourth year we have participated in this event at the park, and every year it just gets bigger!” 

The public is welcome to stroll through the encampment, talk to the living history reenactors, and get a close up view of uniforms and equipment. Pearson Air Museum will be open from 9 am to 5 pm during the event, and the public is encouraged to park in the museum’s parking lot, or along E 5th Street. 

What: World War II living history encampment

Who: Living History Group Northwest, in partnership with the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

When: July 20, 9 am to 5 pm

Where: West of Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661

Cost: Free