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News Release

LOCAL VOLUNTEER TEAM RECOGNIZED WITH STATE AWARD (Photo) - 10/02/26

The Historic Trust Docent Volunteers Receive Outstanding Preservation Education Award
 

Vancouver, WA—Volunteers at The Historic Trust, who work primarily as docents leading tours of historic buildings, were recently notified of winning the Outstanding Preservation Education Award from the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) as part of the 2026 State Historic Preservation Officer’s (SHPO) Awards.
 

“In 2025, the team contributed more than 3,000 hours leading tours and supporting programs at Providence Academy and Marshall House in Vancouver,” The Trust wrote in the nomination for the award. “Their work connects visitors with the histories of these important sites.”
 

"The Historic Trust is powered by an incredible group of staff and dedicated volunteers who make everything we do possible,” said Temple Lentz, President and CEO of The Historic Trust. “We don’t often get the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our volunteers, who do the important work of interpreting these properties’ history and stories for the public. We jumped at the opportunity to nominate the team for this award, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see them recognized at the state level for their hard work and commitment.”
 

An awards ceremony will take place on October 6 in Ellensburg. To see a complete list of the 2026 Award Recipients when they are released, please visit: https://dahp.wa.gov/news-events/historic-preservation-month/2026-shpo-awards.
 

The Historic Trust docents lead weekly tours at Providence Academy and Marshall House on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm. In addition to historic tours, volunteers also assist with summer events, Secret Spaces tours, and the annual Holiday Tea. Their generous gift of time and talent is vital to the mission of The Historic Trust.
 

The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of The Historic Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. For more information about The Historic Trust, visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/ or call 360-992-1800. 

 

The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation is the state agency responsible for preserving and promoting Washington’s archaeological and historic resources. DAHP works with communities, property owners, Tribes, federal and state agencies, and preservation organizations throughout Washington to identify, protect, and interpret the state’s cultural heritage.

Attached Media Files: The Historic Trust docent team gathered for their volunteer meeting at the O. O. Howard House in late September. (Photo by: Carol Ross),

LOCAL VOLUNTEER TEAM RECOGNIZED WITH STATE AWARD (Photo) - 10/02/26

The Historic Trust Docent Volunteers Receive Outstanding Preservation Education Award
 

Vancouver, WA—Volunteers at The Historic Trust, who work primarily as docents leading tours of historic buildings, were recently notified of winning the Outstanding Preservation Education Award from the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) as part of the 2026 State Historic Preservation Officer’s (SHPO) Awards.
 

“In 2025, the team contributed more than 3,000 hours leading tours and supporting programs at Providence Academy and Marshall House in Vancouver,” The Trust wrote in the nomination for the award. “Their work connects visitors with the histories of these important sites.”
 

"The Historic Trust is powered by an incredible group of staff and dedicated volunteers who make everything we do possible,” said Temple Lentz, President and CEO of The Historic Trust. “We don’t often get the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our volunteers, who do the important work of interpreting these properties’ history and stories for the public. We jumped at the opportunity to nominate the team for this award, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see them recognized at the state level for their hard work and commitment.”
 

An awards ceremony will take place on October 6 in Ellensburg. To see a complete list of the 2026 Award Recipients when they are released, please visit: https://dahp.wa.gov/news-events/historic-preservation-month/2026-shpo-awards.
 

The Historic Trust docents lead weekly tours at Providence Academy and Marshall House on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm. In addition to historic tours, volunteers also assist with summer events, Secret Spaces tours, and the annual Holiday Tea. Their generous gift of time and talent is vital to the mission of The Historic Trust.
 

The Historic Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future. The mission of The Historic Trust is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. For more information about The Historic Trust, visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/ or call 360-992-1800. 

 

The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation is the state agency responsible for preserving and promoting Washington’s archaeological and historic resources. DAHP works with communities, property owners, Tribes, federal and state agencies, and preservation organizations throughout Washington to identify, protect, and interpret the state’s cultural heritage.

Attached Media Files: The Historic Trust docent team gathered for their volunteer meeting at the O. O. Howard House in late September. (Photo by: Carol Ross),

MUSIC HISTORIAN JOEL UNDERWOOD BRINGS BUDDY HOLLY TO PROVIDENCE ACADEMY (Photo) - 10/02/26

Underwood will perform his brand-new show featuring Buddy Holly’s songs and stories 
 

Vancouver, WA—The Historic Trust invites the community to the Providence Academy Chapel to hear the Pacific Northwest’s favorite music historian, Joel Underwood. His concerts are educational, engaging, and delightfully entertaining. Underwood’s previous performances at the Academy included highlights from Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, and Hank Williams. This brand-new performance, Providence Academy Concert presented by Columbia Invest & Insure, Not Fade Away: Stories and Songs of Buddy Holly, will feature the history and songs of Buddy Holly. Emerging from Lubbock, Texas in the mid-1950s, Buddy Holly and his band The Crickets created a series of pop music masterpieces, and a template for what a rock band looks and sounds like, influencing later artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, and The Beatles.
 

The concert will take place Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Providence Academy Chapel, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660. Tickets are $18.00, including all taxes and fees, and will be available for purchase online at www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/providence-academy-concert/. All tickets are general admission, with seating available on a first-come first-served basis. Free parking is available in the paved Providence Academy lot to the east of the building. Paid on-street parking is available along E. Evergreen Blvd. 
 

Please note: Some public areas within the building may not be fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility. For specific accessibility information, please call 360-992-1800 in advance. The Historic Trust would like to thank Columbia Invest & Insure, a program of Columbia Credit Union, for their sponsorship of this concert. For more information about this and other events, please visit TheHistoricTrust.org.

Attached Media Files: Providence Academy Chapel – Renovated in 2019, the Academy Chapel is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and perfect for acoustic performances. (Photo by: Robert Holcomb),

MUSIC HISTORIAN JOEL UNDERWOOD BRINGS BUDDY HOLLY TO PROVIDENCE ACADEMY (Photo) - 10/02/26

Underwood will perform his brand-new show featuring Buddy Holly’s songs and stories 
 

Vancouver, WA—The Historic Trust invites the community to the Providence Academy Chapel to hear the Pacific Northwest’s favorite music historian, Joel Underwood. His concerts are educational, engaging, and delightfully entertaining. Underwood’s previous performances at the Academy included highlights from Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, and Hank Williams. This brand-new performance, Providence Academy Concert presented by Columbia Invest & Insure, Not Fade Away: Stories and Songs of Buddy Holly, will feature the history and songs of Buddy Holly. Emerging from Lubbock, Texas in the mid-1950s, Buddy Holly and his band The Crickets created a series of pop music masterpieces, and a template for what a rock band looks and sounds like, influencing later artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, and The Beatles.
 

The concert will take place Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Providence Academy Chapel, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660. Tickets are $18.00, including all taxes and fees, and will be available for purchase online at www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/providence-academy-concert/. All tickets are general admission, with seating available on a first-come first-served basis. Free parking is available in the paved Providence Academy lot to the east of the building. Paid on-street parking is available along E. Evergreen Blvd. 
 

Please note: Some public areas within the building may not be fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility. For specific accessibility information, please call 360-992-1800 in advance. The Historic Trust would like to thank Columbia Invest & Insure, a program of Columbia Credit Union, for their sponsorship of this concert. For more information about this and other events, please visit TheHistoricTrust.org.

Attached Media Files: Providence Academy Chapel – Renovated in 2019, the Academy Chapel is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and perfect for acoustic performances. (Photo by: Robert Holcomb),

THE HISTORIC TRUST SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR MARSHALL AWARDS (Photo) - 10/02/26

Nominations are now open for the 2026-2027 Marshall Leadership Awards Program
 

Vancouver, WA—The Marshall Awards, a program of The Historic Trust in partnership with City of Vancouver, has been honoring young leaders in Clark County since 1989. To recognize the life and leadership of General George C. Marshall, who served as Commander of the Vancouver Barracks from 1936-1938, awards are given to young leaders who embody General Marshall’s Principles of Leadership in service to their community.  
 

Nominations are open under two categories, public and youth. Public nominees must be age 35 or younger, and youth nominees must be high school seniors. All candidates, regardless of age group, must be Clark County residents and demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving the greater good. Nominees will have a chance to come together for a workshop in January to network and to learn more about General Marshall. The Marshall Awards season closes with an awards ceremony in February, open to the community, which recognizes all finalists and the public and youth award recipients. Award recipients will also receive a scholarship, good for continuing education or professional development. 
 

Local managers, coaches, teachers, and mentors are encouraged to nominate. For full details, and to make a nomination, please visit www.TheHistoricTrust.org/Marshall-Awards/ and fill out the form. Nominations opened Thursday, October 1, 2026, and will remain open until Friday, December 4, 2026.
 

If you would like to learn more about General George C. Marshall, his military history, and his time here in the Pacific Northwest, The Historic Trust invites you to take a tour of the Marshall House, located at 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661. Tours are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm. These guided tours are free, but donations are always welcome. Stop by during open hours or make a reservation at www.TheHistoricTrust.org/Tours/. 

Attached Media Files: Marshall Leadership Awards Ceremony, Feb. 2025 – Guests gather in the Artillery Barracks Banquet Room to mingle and review finalists before the awards presentation.,

THE HISTORIC TRUST SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR MARSHALL AWARDS (Photo) - 10/02/26

Nominations are now open for the 2026-2027 Marshall Leadership Awards Program
 

Vancouver, WA—The Marshall Awards, a program of The Historic Trust in partnership with City of Vancouver, has been honoring young leaders in Clark County since 1989. To recognize the life and leadership of General George C. Marshall, who served as Commander of the Vancouver Barracks from 1936-1938, awards are given to young leaders who embody General Marshall’s Principles of Leadership in service to their community.  
 

Nominations are open under two categories, public and youth. Public nominees must be age 35 or younger, and youth nominees must be high school seniors. All candidates, regardless of age group, must be Clark County residents and demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving the greater good. Nominees will have a chance to come together for a workshop in January to network and to learn more about General Marshall. The Marshall Awards season closes with an awards ceremony in February, open to the community, which recognizes all finalists and the public and youth award recipients. Award recipients will also receive a scholarship, good for continuing education or professional development. 
 

Local managers, coaches, teachers, and mentors are encouraged to nominate. For full details, and to make a nomination, please visit www.TheHistoricTrust.org/Marshall-Awards/ and fill out the form. Nominations opened Thursday, October 1, 2026, and will remain open until Friday, December 4, 2026.
 

If you would like to learn more about General George C. Marshall, his military history, and his time here in the Pacific Northwest, The Historic Trust invites you to take a tour of the Marshall House, located at 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA 98661. Tours are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am-2pm. These guided tours are free, but donations are always welcome. Stop by during open hours or make a reservation at www.TheHistoricTrust.org/Tours/. 

Attached Media Files: Marshall Leadership Awards Ceremony, Feb. 2025 – Guests gather in the Artillery Barracks Banquet Room to mingle and review finalists before the awards presentation.,

THE HISTORIC TRUST’S SECRET SPACES POST HOSPITAL TOUR RETURNS (Photo) - 09/23/26

Explore This Off-Limits Building For One Day Only
 

Vancouver, WA--The Historic Trust is excited to bring back a fan-favorite event, Secret Spaces: Post Hospital Tour, next month. Guests will have the opportunity to explore this historic building at their own pace on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

 

Built in 1903-1904, the Post Hospital was considered cutting-edge for its time, including being one of the first in the nation to have space purpose-built for taking and developing x-ray images. Today, many of the building’s original structural features remain, including tin ceiling tiles, coved ceilings, woodwork, and sun porches to support recovery of tuberculosis patients. With access to explore spaces on all four floors, visitors will get an exclusive peek inside this structure that has been off-limits to the public for decades.

 

Each tour, with staggered start times at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm, will begin at the Red Cross Building with a short presentation on the history of the building. Guests then cross the street into the hospital for self-guided viewing and exploration. Volunteers will be nearby to answer questions and provide more information about each space. Please note, this building is only accessible via stairs. For questions about accessibility, please call 360-992-1800.

 

Registration and ticket sales open at 10am on September 25, 2026. A limited number of tickets will be sold, in advance only, for $35 each and are limited to ages 12 and up. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit The Historic Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/post-hospital-tour/. 

 

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Attached Media Files: Post-Hospital-Bldg.jpg,

THE HISTORIC TRUST’S SECRET SPACES POST HOSPITAL TOUR RETURNS (Photo) - 09/23/26

Explore This Off-Limits Building For One Day Only
 

Vancouver, WA--The Historic Trust is excited to bring back a fan-favorite event, Secret Spaces: Post Hospital Tour, next month. Guests will have the opportunity to explore this historic building at their own pace on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

 

Built in 1903-1904, the Post Hospital was considered cutting-edge for its time, including being one of the first in the nation to have space purpose-built for taking and developing x-ray images. Today, many of the building’s original structural features remain, including tin ceiling tiles, coved ceilings, woodwork, and sun porches to support recovery of tuberculosis patients. With access to explore spaces on all four floors, visitors will get an exclusive peek inside this structure that has been off-limits to the public for decades.

 

Each tour, with staggered start times at 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:00pm, will begin at the Red Cross Building with a short presentation on the history of the building. Guests then cross the street into the hospital for self-guided viewing and exploration. Volunteers will be nearby to answer questions and provide more information about each space. Please note, this building is only accessible via stairs. For questions about accessibility, please call 360-992-1800.

 

Registration and ticket sales open at 10am on September 25, 2026. A limited number of tickets will be sold, in advance only, for $35 each and are limited to ages 12 and up. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit The Historic Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/post-hospital-tour/. 

 

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Attached Media Files: Post-Hospital-Bldg.jpg,

THE HISTORIC TRUST FALL SPEAKERS SERIES RETURNS LATE SEPTEMBER (Photo) - 09/08/26

Explore history through a modern-day lens

 

Vancouver, WA-- The Historic Trust Speakers Series presented by University Village will begin a series of three public talks on Thursday, September 24.

 

This year’s speakers are part of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, and their topics showcase three fascinating talks at the intersection of history, fashion, and technology.

 

September 24 - Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties, with Diane Johnston; Diane Johnston is a theatrical costume designer who has spent the past 35 years creating costumes for a variety of productions throughout the region. She holds an MFA in costume design and is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Diane lives in Stanwood.

 

October 15 - Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age, with T. Andrew Wahl; T. Andrew Wahl has worked in journalism and media communication across Washington state, earning awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, National Federation of Press Women, United Nations, and others. Wahl is tenured faculty at Everett Community College where he teaches journalism, media literacy, and comics studies. Andrew lives in Stanwood.

 

November 12 - Permanent Ink: Why We Still Love Print in the Digital Age with Geoffrey Turnovsky; Geoffrey Turnovsky is professor of French at the University of Washington. His teaching and research focus on the cultural history of early modern France and Europe, and the history of print, books, authorship, and reading. He is the author of Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France. Geoffrey lives in Seattle.

 

These talks are free and open to the public, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Reservations will open approximately one month before the presentation and can be found online in the Historic Trust Events Calendar. Talks will take place at the Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St. Vancouver, WA 98661 from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and doors open at 5:30pm.

 

About University Village and Koelsch Senior Communities

Koelsch Communities is a third-generation, family-owned and operated senior living provider. For over 65 years, Koelsch Communities has led the industry in Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Known for its first-class service, holistic care model, and an employee-centric company culture, Koelsch provides the finest living and working experiences anywhere as ladies and gentlemen, serving ladies and gentlemen. Koelsch believes in the innovative programs that make aging well possible, and building a strong foundation of safety with the latest in security and technology. The company’s University Village campus in Southwest Washington spans 13 acres and offers a vibrant, lifelong learning lifestyle supported by amenities including a fitness center, resort-style pool, greenhouse, pickleball courts, movie theater and more. Learn more about University Village and their services at: https://koelschseniorcommunities.com/. To learn more about the Fall Speakers Series or to make reservations, please visit: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/ or call 360-992-1800.

Attached Media Files: Humanities-WA-logo.png, UniversityVillageFullLogo_black-01.png, Diane Johnston presenting at The Red Cross building,

THE HISTORIC TRUST FALL SPEAKERS SERIES RETURNS LATE SEPTEMBER (Photo) - 09/08/26

Explore history through a modern-day lens

 

Vancouver, WA-- The Historic Trust Speakers Series presented by University Village will begin a series of three public talks on Thursday, September 24.

 

This year’s speakers are part of the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, and their topics showcase three fascinating talks at the intersection of history, fashion, and technology.

 

September 24 - Hidden Layers: Women’s Undergarments and How They’ve Shaped Ladies’ Liberties, with Diane Johnston; Diane Johnston is a theatrical costume designer who has spent the past 35 years creating costumes for a variety of productions throughout the region. She holds an MFA in costume design and is a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Diane lives in Stanwood.

 

October 15 - Doomscrolling Detox: Finding Your Balance in the Digital Age, with T. Andrew Wahl; T. Andrew Wahl has worked in journalism and media communication across Washington state, earning awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, National Federation of Press Women, United Nations, and others. Wahl is tenured faculty at Everett Community College where he teaches journalism, media literacy, and comics studies. Andrew lives in Stanwood.

 

November 12 - Permanent Ink: Why We Still Love Print in the Digital Age with Geoffrey Turnovsky; Geoffrey Turnovsky is professor of French at the University of Washington. His teaching and research focus on the cultural history of early modern France and Europe, and the history of print, books, authorship, and reading. He is the author of Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France. Geoffrey lives in Seattle.

 

These talks are free and open to the public, but reservations are required as seating is limited. Reservations will open approximately one month before the presentation and can be found online in the Historic Trust Events Calendar. Talks will take place at the Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes St. Vancouver, WA 98661 from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and doors open at 5:30pm.

 

About University Village and Koelsch Senior Communities

Koelsch Communities is a third-generation, family-owned and operated senior living provider. For over 65 years, Koelsch Communities has led the industry in Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care. Known for its first-class service, holistic care model, and an employee-centric company culture, Koelsch provides the finest living and working experiences anywhere as ladies and gentlemen, serving ladies and gentlemen. Koelsch believes in the innovative programs that make aging well possible, and building a strong foundation of safety with the latest in security and technology. The company’s University Village campus in Southwest Washington spans 13 acres and offers a vibrant, lifelong learning lifestyle supported by amenities including a fitness center, resort-style pool, greenhouse, pickleball courts, movie theater and more. Learn more about University Village and their services at: https://koelschseniorcommunities.com/. To learn more about the Fall Speakers Series or to make reservations, please visit: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/ or call 360-992-1800.

Attached Media Files: Humanities-WA-logo.png, UniversityVillageFullLogo_black-01.png, Diane Johnston presenting at The Red Cross building,