Preservation in Process: Painting at Fort Vancouver NHS

Date: April 23, 2013
Contact: Alex Patterson, Facility Manager, 360-816-6221

VANCOUVER, WA -- In an ongoing process to preserve resources at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (NHS) and to provide for their future enjoyment, National Park Service staff members are overseeing the repainting of two signature buildings within the reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company stockade.

From April 23 through April 27, 2013, contractors will be painting the exteriors of two of the park's reconstructed fur trade-era buildings--the Counting House and the Bake House.

"This project, while relatively small in scope, is an important step in keeping our buildings in good condition, on a predictive maintenance schedule, and open to the public for years to come," said Alex Patterson, Facility Manager for Fort Vancouver NHS.

During this week long project, the interior of the two buildings will be closed to the public allow the painting contractor safe and secure work areas.

The National Park Service's Pacific West Region awarded Fort Vancouver NHS funding for this project through a competitive process for cyclic maintenance.

Since reconstruction began at Fort Vancouver NHS in 1966, replica Hudson's Bay Company buildings have helped the National Park Service connect the visiting public with the national significance of the site.

WHAT: Repainting of the Counting House and Bake House

WHERE:Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 East 5th Street.

WHEN: April 23-27, 2013

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, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special events and activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages.

 

Contractors apply caulking in preparation for painting the exterior of the Counting House, one of two structures within the reconstructed stockade at Fort Vancouver NHS receiving new exterior paint.

NPS Photo