Clark County Historical Society & Museum

he Clark County Historical Museum is operated by the Clark County Historical Society which is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Clark County Historical Society works in partnership with Clark County and the City of Vancouver to operate the museum and produce an annual publication entitled Clark County History. Each year the Clark County Historical Society raises 71% of the museum’s annual operating budget (cash) via contributions and earned income.

Mission Statement

The Clark County Historical Society and Museum is committed to responsible collections stewardship, innovative collaboration and inspiring exhibitions and programs that engage the community in an exploration of Clark County’s past, present and future.

History

The Clark County Historical Society (CCHS) originated in 1917 and was legally incorporated on March 29, 1940. The CCHS is a non-profit 501 c (3) corporation. The organization has undergone several legal name changes during its 90-year history of community service (originally known as the Fort Vancouver Restoration and Historical Society). The original charge of the organization was to assist in the preservation of historic sites (i.e. Fort Vancouver, Covington House, Cedar Creek Grist Mill) and the collection of historical artifacts of significance to the people of Clark County.

The CCHS opened the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) on May 24, 1964 inside Vancouver’s 1909 Carnegie Library. The building was previously occupied by the Fort Vancouver Regional Library System. The museum building, listed on the National Historic Register of Places, is owned and maintained by the City of Vancouver. The CCHS works in partnership with the City of Vancouver and Clark County to provide museum services to the people of Clark County. Daily operations, program development and planning for the CCHS are overseen by an Executive Director who is professionally trained in accepted preservation and interpretive standards.