2007 Special Programs and Events Calendar Announced for Fort Vancouver NHS

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Date: January 22, 2007
Contact: Kimm Fox-Middleton, 360-816-6243

Vancouver, WA- The National Park Service is pleased to announce its Calendar of Special Programs and Events at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in 2007.

Fort Vancouver has expanded its Special Programs and Events Calendar to include the activities of the McLoughlin House –its newest unit in Oregon City, Oregon. The comprehensive calendar provides visitors with a wide assortment of events, programs, and activities to choose from throughout the year. The special programs and events feature a mix of old and new programming. There are the annual favorites such as the Brigade Encampment, Soldiers Bivouac, Kids Dig, Vintage Base Ball, and Candlelight Tour. There will also be several new events and programs for 2007.

"Fort Vancouver’s offerings to the public are growing to reflect the diversity of our neighboring communities," noted Superintendent Tracy Fortmann. "Visitors may choose to join a Kids Dig, view a demonstration of women’s handwork at the McLoughlin House, attend the Archaeology Lecture series where world renowned speakers present an in depth look at the field of archaeology, or come to cheer one of their favorite teams in our annual Vintage Base Ball Game. "

May serves as the kick off for Vintage Ball Season with a celebration of the 140th Anniversary of organized base ball in Vancouver, WA. Three match games will be held in 2007, an increase of one game due, in part, to public demand. These popular 1860’s Vintage Base Ball games will take place in May 12, July 21 and August 18. July’s game will take place during the annual Soldiers Bivouac special event.

Summer programming will begin in earnest in July. Following the success of its inaugural year, the historic weapons program on the Parade Ground –featuring the firing of the park’s mountain howitzer –will be a regular this year. This program provides visitors an opportunity to learn more about a nineteenth century soldier’s life in the Pacific Northwest. The programs will be offered every Saturday and will include a black powder demonstration with either small arms or the mountain howitzer.

The summer will also bring the Company Servant Hands-on Program, allowing visitors a first-hand opportunity to participate in the work of a nineteenth century Hudson’s Bay Company employee. Work includes that of a baker in the Bake House, a clerk in the Fur Store, a carpenter in the Carpenter Shop, and more. Through this program, visitors will learn of the diverse occupations, tasks, expectations and responsibilities that helped make Fort Vancouver thrive.

"There are so many creative ways to lead visitors to their own understanding of the fascinating story of Fort Vancouver," exclaimed Greg Shine, the park’s Chief Ranger and Historian, "and this is reflected in our calendar of special programs and events for 2007. We are continually trying to develop new ways to share the site’s history and attract both new and returning visitors."

The Candlelight Tour continues to change annually, providing visitors something new to come to year after year. This year’s program will again focus on the specific scenario of the fort’s relief of the shipwrecked crew of the U.S. Schooner Shark –but will shift to last one full day (Saturday, September 15) rather than two partial evenings. "Even some of our most fundamental practices today were much different in the age of the nineteenth century fort," explained Shine. "For example, activities that, for us, take place in the evenings –like our large dinners –actually took place just after midday, at 1:00 p.m., for the employees of the Fort. In many ways, the concept of "dinner" to a Hudson’s Bay Company employee would be very different than ours today. We want visitors to see how life was different throughout a day rather than just a few hours; we think that the visitors will find this comparison with their daily schedules a great way to learn about our past."

Special programs and events at Fort Vancouver NHS are managed by Kimm Fox-Middleton, Supervisory Park Ranger. She can be reached at 360.816.6243 or via e-mail at kimm_fox-middleton@nps.gov.

"There are whole host of new programs for our visitors, as we continually look to do different things each year," noted Fox-Middleton. "Visitors are always looking for something new to do, or for a new perspective on something familiar, and our programming strives to reflect this. While we have the traditional programs, even they offer a little something new for returning visitors."



2007 Special Programs and Events Calendar

All Special Programs and Events take place at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site unless otherwise stated.

January

Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 20 (7 p.m.): Lantern Tours

Join in a wonderful opportunity to tour the Fort at night. Each adult attending the program will carry their own lantern and tour with the Park Ranger through the Fur Store, the Counting House, and Bake House. You will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. The 1-hour tour meets at the Fort, $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15 years of age. Reservations required by calling the Visitor Center at 360.816.6230.

February

Cultural Demonstrations Begin: Victorian Handcrafts at the McLoughlin House In Oregon City

This demonstration series continues with a variety of Victorian needlework and handwork techniques. Come and learn about this very important part of the lives of Victorian women! Dates and times to be determined. Free of charge.

Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 17 (7 p.m.): Lantern Tours

Join in a wonderful opportunity to tour the Fort at night. Each adult attending the program will carry their own lantern and tour with the Park Ranger through the Fur Store, the Counting House, and Bake House. You will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. The 1-hour tour meets at the Fort, $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15 years of age. Reservations required by calling the Visitor Center at 360.816.6230.

April

Saturday, April 21: 10th Anniversary of Nez Perce Reconciliation Ceremony

A traditional memorial to remember Chief Redheart’s Band, including singing in honor of their ancestors, the Riderless Horse (Empty Saddle) Ceremony, and the Sacred Pipe Ceremony, and recognition of veterans. Ceremony takes place on the lower Parade Ground, across the street from the Fort. Time to be determined. Free of charge.

Friday-Sunday, April 27-29: Discover Walk

The City of Vancouver will be hosting the tenth annual Discovery Walk Festival. This festival celebrates fitness and promotes international friendships. A portion of the walk takes place at Fort Vancouver, where participants will be greeted by costumed interpreters as they continue on walking the inside perimeter of the Fort.

Friday, April 27 (9 a.m.-11 a.m.): 5th Annual Children’s Cultural Parade

Celebrating the diversity of Vancouver, this event combines classroom instruction where children study cultures from around the world and share what they have learned in a parade. The parade provides an opportunity for each child to share with the community his or her own unique culture. The parade begins along 5th street in front of Pearson Air Museum and ends inside the Fort. Free of charge.

May

Saturday, May 12: 140th Anniversary of Vintage Base Ball in Vancouver

140 years ago this year, Base Ball began to make its mark here in Vancouver. Join in the anniversary celebration of America’s favorite pass time. All games take place on the Parade Ground next to the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Monday, May 28 (1:30 p.m.): Memorial Day 1860’s Cannon Salute

Memorial Day was established to all honor veterans and the military salute of arms is a tradition. Come view the tradition using armory of the 1860’s. The Black Powder demonstration will take place on the Parade Ground across from the Howard House. Free of charge.

June

Friday, June 1 (6:30 p.m.): First Fridays at the Fort

On the evenings of June 1, July 6, August 3, and September 7, 2004, the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve will host the Summer Evening Program Series. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Fort Vancouver’s intriguing history. Topics will be announced in late spring. Programs vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour and will take place at the Bandstand. Free of charge.

June 19-August 4: Archaeological Field School

To share the "underground" legacy of this site, we have developed a Public Archaeology Program which includes educational opportunities, special tours, and lectures. These activities help to share the site in a new way, and involve our visitors in the process of learning from, and working to preserve cultural resources. Lectures vary from 30 minutes to 1-hour. Free of charge.

Dates to be announced: Archaeology Lecture Series

The Lecture Series ties into the Archaeological Field School providing students and the public a more in depth look at the field of archaeology.

Thursday, June 14: Flag Day

Join us for Celebrate Freedom’s patriotic Flag Day Ceremony held at the Bandstand on the Historic Reserve Parade Ground. During this ceremony the community gathers to participate in the Annual National Pause for the Pledge and pay their respect to our country’s national symbol. This youth focused event draws participation from local 5th grade classes writing essays, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, school bands, military personnel, elected officials and community members. Time to be determined. Free of charge.

Saturday and Sunday, June 16 -17 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.): Brigade Encampment

Again the brigades of fur trappers return to Fort Vancouver. They will share their stories of adventure and life in the wilds with those they have not seen in close to a year…And this time you are invited. Encampment takes place outside the fort. Event is free of charge. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, free for children 15 years and under.

Saturdays-Parade Ground and Sundays-Fort, June 23- September 2 (1:30 p.m.): Historic Weapons Program (Small Arms and Cannon)

Learn more about how these weapons were in use at both the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver and the U. S. Army’s Vancouver Barracks. On Saturdays meet on the parade ground for historic weapons firing demonstrations using military arms; on Sundays meet in the courtyard of Fort Vancouver for historic weapons demonstrations of the weapons of the Hudson’s Bay Company. Black Powder programs on the parade ground are free of charge. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under.

Saturday, June 30 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.): Kids Dig

Children ages 8-12 are introduced to archaeology by participating in a "mock dig", mapping their artifact finds, and filling out site forms. As they excavate and screen with the help of park staff and volunteers, participants will discuss how we learn from archaeology, and why we should preserve these pieces of our past. Each two-hour session is limited to 20 children, on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under. Program is free.

July

Dates to be announced: Summer Programs Begin: Historic Weapons/Hands On Programs

Company Servant: Think life at Fort Vancouver was glamorous? For the 220 "servants" of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the 6-day work week meant hard work and long hours. Come and experience the day-to-day work of a baker, fur trapper, gardener, and carpenter at 1840’s Fort Vancouver. Visitors will try their hand at kneading the dough and cutting sea biscuits in the Bake House, weighing and pressing the furs in the Fur Warehouse, weeding and hoeing in the garden, and trying their hand at carpentry using the tools of the 1840’s. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under. Program is free.

Tuesday, July 3 and 20 (7 p.m.): Movie Night On the Reserve

Families are invited to make history on Friday nights. Historically a community social meeting place, Fort Vancouver’s Parade Ground continues to provide this opportunity by offering a series of Movies on the Reserve. Free of charge.

Wednesday, July 4 (8 a.m.-11 p.m.): Fourth of July Celebration

Vancouver's famous fireworks display! The Fort will be open, with living history events throughout the day.

Friday, July 6 (6:30 p.m.): First Fridays at the Fort

On the evenings of July 6, August 3, and September 7, 2004, the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve will host the Summer Evening Program Series. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Fort Vancouver’s intriguing history. Topics will be announced in late spring. Programs vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour and will take place at the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Saturday, July 14 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.): Kids Dig

Children ages 8-12 are introduced to archaeology by participating in a "mock dig", mapping their artifact finds, and filling out site forms. As they excavate and screen with the help of park staff and volunteers, participants will discuss how we learn from archaeology, and why we should preserve these pieces of our past. Each two-hour session is limited to 20 children, on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under. Program is free.

Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.): Soldiers Bivouac

Much of the news today is about soldiers in battle, however much of their time is spent at camp and in the community. Explore the camps of soldiers from Vancouver Barracks’ past. Visitors will see what life was like in the military from a soldier’s point of view. Bivouac takes place on the Parade Ground. Free of charge.

Saturday, July 21 (6 p.m.): 1860’s Vintage Base Ball

The first vintage base ball game of the season, this gloveless game with wooden bats plays by very different rules! Bring a picnic and watch staff and volunteers recreate a game, playing by the rules established in 1860. The 1st Oregon Volunteers will once again be playing the Vancouver town team on the Parade Ground. Come and cheer for your favorite team, but beware... the umpire can fine the audience for "ungentlemanly" or "unladylike" behavior. All games take place on the Parade Ground next to the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Saturday, July 28 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.): Kids Dig at the McLoughlin House in Oregon City

Children ages 8-12 are introduced to archaeology by participating in a "mock dig", mapping their artifact finds, and filling out site forms. As they excavate and screen with the help of park staff and volunteers, participants will discuss how we learn from archaeology, and why we should preserve these pieces of our past. Each two-hour session is limited to 20 children, on a first-come, first-served basis. Free of charge.

August

Friday, August 3 (6:30 p.m.): First Fridays at the Fort

On the evenings of August 3, and September 7, 2004, the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve will host the Summer Evening Program Series. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Fort Vancouver’s intriguing history. Topics will be announced in late spring. Programs vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour and will take place at the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Friday, August 3, 17, & 24: Movie Night on the Reserve

Families are invited to make history on Friday nights. Historically a community social meeting place, Fort Vancouver’s Parade Ground continues to provide this opportunity by offering a series of Movies on the Reserve. Free of charge.

Saturday, August 18 (6 p.m.): 1860’s Vintage Base Ball

Bring a picnic and watch staff and volunteers recreate a game, playing by the rules established in 1860. The 1st Oregon Volunteers will once again be playing the Vancouver town team on the Parade Ground. Come and cheer for your favorite team, but beware... the umpire can fine the audience for "ungentlemanly" or "unladylike" behavior. All games take place on the Parade Ground next to the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Saturday, August 25: Founders Day (Free Fee Day)

Celebrate the founding of the U.S. National Park Service, by visiting the only National Park in the Portland/ Vancouver metropolitan area. Rich in history, visitors will learn about the crossroads of culture, exploration, discovery, and cultural conservation.

September

Friday, September 7 (6:30 p.m.): First Fridays at the Fort

The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve will host the Summer Evening Program Series. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about Fort Vancouver’s intriguing history. Topics will be announced in late spring. Programs vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour and will take place at the Bandstand. Free of charge.

Saturday, September 15: Candlelight Tour

Stroll back in time by candlelight, experiencing the night life of U.S. Army soldiers, Oregon Trail immigrants, and the Fort Vancouver Village. Once inside the Fort, visitors will have the opportunity to observe life at the Fort by candlelight. Time to be determined. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, free for children 15 years and under.

Saturday, September 22 (1-3 p.m.): Anniversary of the McLoughlin Memorial Association Founding-McLoughlin House in Oregon City

Free of charge

October

Washington and Oregon Archaeology Month: Walking and Collection Tours

Celebrating archaeology by raising awareness about archaeology and cultural heritage, both states offer a number of activities for everyone. Fort Vancouver provides Kids Dig, Collections Tours, and more. To learn more about this year’s archaeology month celebrations please go to www.oahp.wa.gov. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under.

Saturday, October 6 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.): Kids Dig

Children ages 8-12 are introduced to archaeology by participating in a "mock dig", mapping their artifact finds, and filling out site forms. As they excavate and screen with the help of park staff and volunteers, participants will discuss how we learn from archaeology, and why we should preserve these pieces of our past. Each two-hour session is limited to 20 children, on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under. Program is free.

 

Saturdays, October 13 and 20 (7 p.m.): Tales of the Engages

Step back in time with a "campfire program" of the 1840’s. Join the Engages of the Hudson’s Bay Company as they share their stories of life at Fort Vancouver. The 1 hour program will take place just outside the fort walls. Free of charge.

October 20, Saturday (to be confirmed): Dr. John McLoughlin’s Birthday

Special programs will help celebrate the Father of Oregon’s birthday. Free of charge

Friday and Saturday, October 26-27 (6-9 p.m.): Spirits of Oregon City-McLoughlin House in Oregon City

The Spirits of Oregon City is a mobile theater tour that takes you back in time... to several of the heritage sites in town (including the Mountain View Cemetery!), where you'll see living history vignettes of the characters of Oregon City's past. Reservations are strongly recommended - call the Rivershore Hotel at (503) 655-7141 to reserve your space. Tickets are $12.00 per person. It's a little spooky, but not scary - an interesting and fun event for all ages!

November

Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 17 (7 p.m.): Lantern Tours

Join in a wonderful opportunity to tour the Fort at night. Each adult attending the program will carry their own lantern and tour with the Park Ranger through the Fur Store, Kitchen, Chief Factors House, and the Counting House. You will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. The 1-hour tour meets at the Fort, $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15 years of age. Reservations required by calling the Visitor Center at 360.816.6230.

Sunday, November 11: Veterans Day (Free Fee Day)

Honoring those who have served and who are serving, military personnel and their families are admitted free into Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

December

Saturdays, December 1 and 15 (7 p.m.): Lantern Tours

Join in a wonderful opportunity to tour the Fort at night. Each adult attending the program will carry their own lantern and tour with the Park Ranger through the Fur Store, Kitchen, Chief Factors House, and the Counting House. You will learn what activities would have occurred once the sun set at Fort Vancouver. The 1-hour tour meets at the Fort, $10 for adults and $7 for children under 15 years of age. Reservations required by calling the Visitor Center at 360.816.6230.

Dates and time to be announced: Christmas at the McLoughlin House in Oregon City

Step back in time, to the 1850’s, the holiday season is approaching, and everyone is preparing for the festivities. Learn what it might have been like to celebrate Christmas with the McLoughlin Family.

Saturday, December 8 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.): Christmas at Fort Vancouver

Experience first hand the festive traditional sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season at Fort Vancouver. Visitors will be able to experience what the employees of the Hudson’s Bay Company may have been doing in preparation for the holidays. Entrance Fees to visit the fort do apply, $5 Family, $3 per adult, Free for children 15 years and under.



Background: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver’s role in regional and national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages.

-NPS-



Last updated: February 28, 2015

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