New self-guided BARK Ranger tour introduces pet owners to history
On May 17, 2025, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will launch a new self-guided tour to connect dog owners to local history in Vancouver, Washington.
Official NPS sourcePERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Travel Archive
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
2025-05-13
1 STORIES2024-11-13
1 STORIESNational Park Service completes rehabilitation of historic barracks building
175 years after the establishment of Vancouver Barracks, the National Park Service (NPS) is ensuring a new chapter of public service for the first U.S. Army post in the Pacific Northwest. The NPS has completed one of the most significant projects in this effort, rehabilitation of Building 993, one of the historic double infantry barracks lining the Parade Ground.
Official NPS source2024-07-05
1 STORIESWorld War II Encampment to be Hosted at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to host a World War II living history encampment on Saturday, July 20, from 9 am to 4 pm. This free event is offered in partnership with Living History Group Northwest, a living history community that unites local groups who honor and share the stories of America’s fighting forces during World War II.
Official NPS source2024-06-12
1 STORIESNew self-guided tour of Vancouver Barracks introduces visitors to local military history
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park System, has debuted a new self-guided tour of Vancouver Barracks, the first US Army post established in the Pacific Northwest. The tour can be accessed through the NPS App, downloadable on the Apple Store or Google Play.
Official NPS source2024-02-15
1 STORIESFort Vancouver Presents a Wildland Fire Program, "Wildland Fire, Friend or Foe"
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to announce an upcoming interpretive presentation focusing on the nature of wildland fires in our region. This presentation is an educational event that aims to shed light on the impact of past wildland fires that have shaped the community and the techniques used to understand the impact of wildland fire through an archaeological forensic lens.
Official NPS source2023-09-22
1 STORIESFort Vancouver kicks off celebrating 75th year as a part of the National Park System with evening tours
Fort Vancouver kicks off celebrating 75th year as a part of the National Park System with evening tours.
Official NPS source2023-08-31
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site hosts events celebrating the science of bats
This September, national parks throughout the Pacific Northwest are joining together to celebrate the park residents that gobble up mosquitos and see with their ears!
Official NPS source2023-08-24
1 STORIESTourism to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site contributes $97.4 million to local economy
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 964 thousand visitors to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in 2022 spent $63.7 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 873 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $97.4 million.
Official NPS source2023-07-13
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site encourages stewardship with summer exhibit and new Junior Ranger activity
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has debuted a new outdoor exhibit and summer Junior Ranger program to encourage visitors of all ages to play a role in stewarding national parks and historic sites.
Official NPS source2023-07-11
1 STORIESWorld War II Encampment to be hosted at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site on July 22, 2023
The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to host a World War II living history encampment on Saturday, July 22, from 9 am to 4 pm. This free event is offered in partnership with Living History Group Northwest, a living history community that unites local groups who honor and share the stories of America’s fighting forces during WWII.
Official NPS source2023-05-12
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Hosts Archaeologist Chelsea Rose for Presentation on Oregon’s Chinese Heritage
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1 pm, at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, historical archaeologist Chelsea Rose will provide a public presentation on the archaeology of the Chinese diaspora of Oregon.
Official NPS source2023-05-04
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Hosts Dr. Robert David for Presentation on Rock Art of the Klamath Basin
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert David, a Klamath Tribal member and Archaeologist, will be giving a talk on rock art of the Klamath Basin titled “Spirit Songs and Sacred Fire”. The talk will be at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Saturday May 6th at 1:00pm. This event is free, but advance reservations are recommended.
Official NPS source2023-04-26
1 STORIESThe Land Remembers: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site hosts Rich Bergeman for photography exhibit and talk on Rogue River War sites
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that Rich Bergeman, a photographer based in Corvallis, Oregon, is the guest curator of an exhibit in the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Visitor Center. The photography exhibit will run from April 24 through September 25 in the Theater. Bergeman will also be giving a public talk on Saturday, May 20 at 1 pm.
Official NPS source2023-04-21
1 STORIESAuthor Alix Christie Presents "The Shining Mountains" at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on April 29th
Author Alix Christie introduces her newest book, "The Shining Mountains" at Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on April 29th. A stunningly well-researched historical novel set in 1838 in the Hudson’s Bay Company Rocky Mountain fur trade extending to Fort Vancouver, Alix Christie helps the great northwest of two centuries ago come alive.
Official NPS source2023-04-18
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site and the American Red Cross to present free disaster preparedness presentation on April 29
In cooperation with the SW Washington Chapter of the American Red Cross, Fort Vancouver National Historic is hosting “Be Red Cross Ready,” a disaster preparedness presentation, at 10 am on April 29, 2023. The presentation is open to the public and free of charge.
Official NPS source2023-03-21
1 STORIESUpcoming presentation by Fort Lewis Museum Director and Curator will explore themes of diversity and inclusion in the US Army
On Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Director Erik Flint and Curator Heidi Pierson of the Lewis Army Museum in Tacoma, WA will present a historical overview and discussion of diversity and inclusion in the United States Army.
Official NPS source2023-03-09
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Hosts Dr. Robert David for Presentation on Rock Art of the Klamath Basin
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that Dr. Robert David, a Klamath Tribal member and Archaeologist, will be giving a talk on rock art of the Klamath Basin titled “Spirit Songs and Sacred Fire”. The talk will be at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, Saturday March 18 at 1:00pm. This event is free, but advance reservations are recommended.
Official NPS source2023-02-10
1 STORIESFilmmaker Dru Holley Presents “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center on February 25
Join the Friends of Fort Vancouver in hosting Dru Holley, Producer and filmmaker, on Saturday, February 25th. Holley will present his newest film “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” for visitors at 1pm at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site’s visitor center.
Official NPS source2022-10-17
1 STORIESLeah Hing’s Fleet Aircraft Now on Exhibit at Pearson Air Museum
The National Park Service and The Historic Trust (Trust) are pleased to announce the new display of a historic aircraft flown by one of the first Chinese American female pilots and an OX-5 engine at Pearson Air Museum, a part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The aircraft and engine have been generously donated by the Trust to the national park's museum collection.
Official NPS source2022-08-25
1 STORIESMilitary Saber Training Program Starts New 7-week Series at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
In December of 1855 nearly 100 troopers and officers of the U.S. Army’s 1st Regiment of Dragoons arrived at Fort Vancouver to help keep peace in the region. Dragoons were mounted infantry who carried a variety of personal weaponry, including sabers, a single-edged, slightly curved sword. To provide the public with hands-on experience of daily life as a trooper, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, in partnership with Academia Duellatoria, is holding training sessions in the methods and drills used in the 19th century to instruct in the use of this distinctive weapon.
Official NPS source2022-08-12
1 STORIESFriends of Fort Vancouver Host Garden Party to Celebrate the 106th Anniversary of the National Park Service & Honor Volunteer Gardeners
Please join the Friends of Fort Vancouver on Saturday, August 20, 4 pm to 6 pm, for a festive celebration in the Fort Vancouver Heritage Garden! All are welcome to join tours of the garden and talk with the National Park Service volunteer gardeners who care for this amazing garden.
Official NPS source2022-05-25
1 STORIESAnnual Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Vancouver
The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 30, 2022, at 11 am. This annual ceremony at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground honors men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country. Visitors may view the garrison flag raising, Washington Army National Guard Howitzer cannon firing, and a wreath laying ceremony in honor of fallen heroes. Vancouver’s Memorial Day Observance is free of charge.
Official NPS source2022-05-17
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Recruiting Teacher-Ranger-Teacher
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is recruiting teachers in the Vancouver/Portland Metro Area to participate in the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT) program from July 10 to August 20, 2022. The Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program is a professional development opportunity for K-12 teachers to spend the summer acquiring new skills in place-based education alongside the National Park Service. A $3000 stipend and three is available for this 6-week opportunity. To apply, interested teachers should email their resume to Park Ranger Justine Hanrahan at justine_hanrahan@nps.gov by May 26, 2022.
Official NPS source2022-04-27
1 STORIESFort Vancouver Welcomes 750 Local Students for Children’s Culture Parade
The National Park Service and the Evergreen and Vancouver School Districts are proud to again host the annual Children's Culture Parade at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site on Friday, May 13, 2022.
Official NPS source2022-03-17
1 STORIESDirector Sams highlights billion-dollar investment in NPS infrastructure during visit to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
During a visit to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams toured a $15.2 million construction project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The project to rehabilitate one of the park’s iconic buildings will allow for its continued public use and enjoyment. Overall, GAOA will provide national parks throughout the country with up to $6.5 billion over five years for investment in crucial infrastructure.
Official NPS source2022-01-20
1 STORIESNew Visitor Parking and Street Improvements Begin at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
A major project is beginning at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which will provide a new, main visitor parking lot and improvements to East 5th Street.
Official NPS source2021-12-07
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Receives National Park Foundation Open OutDoors for Kids Grant for On-Site and Virtual Education Programs
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site received an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF). This grant will enable the National Park Service to offer diverse learning opportunities at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, including both virtual and on-site field trip programs. For the first time, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is expanding traditional field trip opportunities to include virtual field trip programming options. Virtual and on-site education programs at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site correlate with state educational standards and meet the needs of the populous metropolitan community surrounding the park. On-site and virtual field trip programs for Spring 2022 are offered Tuesday, March 1 through Friday, June 3, 2022.
Official NPS source2021-07-01
1 STORIESNew Outdoor Exhibit, Articles, and Public Programs Share Stories of the 1880s at Vancouver Barracks
From July 7 to August 28, 2021, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site invites visitors to learn about the history of the 1880s at Vancouver Barracks in a new outdoor exhibit. This exhibit is paired with an online article series and walking tours.
Official NPS source2020-09-23
1 STORIESFort Vancouver National Historic Site Seeks Public Input on Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan
Vancouver, WA – Beginning October 1, 2020, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (NHS) will be seeking public input on a Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. As part of the planning process, the National Park Service is seeking public comment on the draft plan. Your participation is appreciated and important to our planning process.
Official NPS source2020-05-21
1 STORIESA Special Memorial Day Observance for 2020
The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), the City of Vancouver, and the National Park Service will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, 2020, sponsored by Waste Connections. This year, the event which has brought thousands to the national park’s parade ground annually, will be quite different than in years past, as we honor veterans while also respecting social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Official NPS source2020-03-18
1 STORIESPark Operations Update
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site park operations update.
Official NPS source2020-03-10
1 STORIESWorkshop and Talk Explore Early Transportation on the Columbia River
Author and naturalist Jack Nisbet returns to Fort Vancouver on April 4, 2020, offering a free, two-hour workshop titled “As the River Changed.” Later, Tom Holloway joins him for a public talk on the boats used by fur traders throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Official NPS source2020-02-11
1 STORIESHistorian Gregory Shine to Present "The Journey of Moses Williams, Buffalo Soldier" on February 29
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 29, 2020, historian Gregory P. Shine will return to the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center to present a special program titled “’I am Also Entitled to be Recognized’: The Journey of Moses Williams, Buffalo Soldier.” The program will explore the life, military service, and Pacific Northwest connections of Sgt. Moses Williams – a decorated Buffalo Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient – and share new research that sheds light on key turning points in Williams’ fascinating life.
Official NPS source2019-10-30
1 STORIESLantern Tours at Fort Vancouver Highlight History After Dark
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is pleased to announce upcoming dates for the 2019-2020 Lantern Tour program. These popular guided tours lead participants on an after-dark experience through either the reconstructed Fort Vancouver or the historic Vancouver Barracks.
Official NPS source