Vancouver, WA—October marks almost one year since The Historic Trust welcomed the community to the Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square. Next week, the community is invited to a free event to officially dedicate the Academy plaza with a ribbon-cutting by the Greater Vancouver Chamber, alongside the unveiling of the new permanent interpretive exhibit, “Rooted in History,” honoring the foundations and ongoing preservation of Providence Academy.
 

“We are thrilled to recognize the completion of this plaza and garden, re-connecting the Academy with downtown and creating a welcoming space to gather, celebrate, and reflect,” said Temple Lentz, President and CEO of The Historic Trust. “Providence Academy has been an important part of the community since it was built more than 150 years ago, and we appreciate the support of everyone who is helping ensure it will remain so for 150 more.”
 

The multi-panel exhibit contains historical information about the important and lasting role of the Sisters of Providence in establishing education, medical, and humanitarian networks in the region. Areas highlighted include the original role of the Academy as housing for orphans, space for education, and administrative headquarters for the Sisters of Providence, along with major contributions of Sister of Providence Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Academy architect. The building’s adaptive re-use and preservation are also discussed.
 

The Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square was designed by Steven Ehlbeck of Steven Ehlbeck Architecture and Design, and built by general contractor Bremik Construction. Bremik also managed refurbishment of the entrance portico and stairs. Paul Luntsford of PLA Designs designed and consulted on new decorative lighting for the Academy’s south side. Exhibit content was developed by Trust staff and consultant Jessica Engeman of Continuum Preservation Consulting, design by Eldon Potter of Bryan Potter Design, and fabrication and installation by Security Signs.
 

The ribbon cutting will take place Wednesday, October 21, 2026, promptly at 4:00pm outside on the plaza at Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660. Light refreshments to follow. Reservations are encouraged but not required. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.thehistorictrust.org/calendar/plaza-dedication/. 

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.

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/.