In a red brick building on Main Street, the Clark County Historical Museum is breathing new life into the past, connecting us to the rich tapestry of Clark County's history. With exhibits that range from the history of brewing in the region to the evolution of its rivers, roads, and ports, and a fun walking tour series, the museum serves tens of thousands of visitors a year.
"We think about what stories we can tell that people will feel are a mirror of their lives," says Brad Richardson, the museum's Executive Director. And the museum gets creative about how to do that. When you go in the front doors, turn left into the brewing exhibit. There, you’ll not only learn about the brewery culture of the early 1900s, but you’ll also see hundreds of cans of local beer with designs by local artists. See if you can spot the museum’s own 60th anniversary beer among the collection!
"We're always trying to curate the museum of the community, not just the museum within four walls.”
The First Thursday Speaker Series and First Friday Takeovers offer free space for nonprofits and community members to share their stories. The "Growing Up in Clark County" Facebook group, with over 10,000 members, fosters connections and crowdsources historical information. And the museum's digitization lab, in partnership with WSU Vancouver, is making historical documents accessible to all (no more microfiche here!).
The popular walking tours offer a glimpse into the hidden history of downtown Vancouver and Clark County, revealing the stories behind the buildings and streets that residents often pass by without a second glance.
The Historical Museum offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past, engage with the present, and gain a deeper appreciation for the community. As Richardson puts it, "History is the instruction manual for society." And at CCHM, that history is alive and well.
