Clark County Historical Museum image

Clark County Historical Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Event venue History museum

Local & regional history exhibits, including many Native American items & a research library. People often mention history, museum, local, Vancouver, County, small, Clark, library, exhibits, staff,


Address

1511 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States

Website

www.cchmuseum.org

Contact

+1 360-993-5679

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (136 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (23) museum (21) local (13) Vancouver (11) County (11) small (11) Clark (10) library (9) exhibits (9) staff (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Nadia K. 5 years ago on Google
    Two years ago; I remember I volunteered to be a tour-guide and did some research in the basement. I enjoyed it! Then life and work got a hold of me- and slowly stopped volunteering. Having an MA in History and now coordinator/instructor, I miss being a tour-guide and researching! But it was a great, short experience; the museum has charm as any Carnegie library or early 1900 building does. If you love history and want to help with our own local history. Help the museum, volunteer and make sure historical records are preserved for the future. And the building itself! Yes it may need work; but the community needs to help.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seren S. 2 years ago on Google • 19 reviews
    There is a ton of information telling the awesome history this county has. From the people making monumental moves to the curious factors that helped shape the City of Vancouver and surrounding area, the Historical Museum is the first place to get a bigger perspective of how this area was shaped into and what it is the residents of Clark County know and love today. The Clark County Historical Museum building itself holds its own history, yet it wont cease to amaze you while further discovering the vast amount of influence this place had in the history, not only the Pacific Northwest or Washington, but also detailing colorful stories and captivating recounts that are key events to the expansion of the U.S. Government. Best regards and happy investigations.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S K. 1 year ago on Google • 105 reviews
    Local history in an iconic setting. The former Carnegie library makes a fitting home for this local history museum. The museum presents exhibits context of native people and people of color. That gives a richer and more complete telling of the past. They have a small gift shop with great Vancouver post cards, books and other items. There is a research library on the lower level. Well worth the visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 3 months ago on Google • 255 reviews New
    Great historical museum on Clark County history, Vancouver Washington

  • 5/5 Elizabeth P. 6 years ago on Google • 80 reviews
    A great way to learn about local Vancouver history. Several small but interesting displays including gorgeous Native American beadwork. History teachers can get a free edition of the Clark County historical museum text. The docents are very helpful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alice S. 1 year ago on Google • 53 reviews
    It only gets 4 stars because while staff was very friendly, it is the second smallest museum I've ever been to. One of the interactive exhibits is cool enough to give it the 4th star because otherwise I would have been disappointed to pay admission (if it hadn't been a free day) just with the size of it. The geocache in there is neat though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Douglas W. 6 years ago on Google
    Unimpressive. Very little displayed in regard to Clark County. Native beadwork display was nice, and I saw nothing from the Cowlitz or more local tribes. Most of it was eastern tribes, and simply attributed to "unknown artist". Shouldn't those items be returned to those tribes? In general, glad I went - and no need to return.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 jamie c. 6 years ago on Google
    The lady at the front desk was friendly and welcoming. She let me know the layout of the museum before venturing off. The museum has four sections and is really small. There's a railroad section, local stories, Native American beading & culture, agriculture & trade, and a library downstairs. The books in the library appear very old and I'm guessing are used for research purposes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Curtis S. 5 years ago on Google
    Small right now but they are putting in more exhibits. Nice people. Has native American exhibits plus other things.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melynda B. 5 years ago on Google
    Clark County has had many changes through the years, always the ficus has been on building for the greater good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ms. Ginny F. 5 years ago on Google
    The remodeled museum is a must. I was impressed what they accomplished, a small hometown atmosphere in Vancouver, Washington. A place to go if you want to learn more about the history of our area. I didn't see all of it, I was there for a meeting. Plan to go back, take time & learn. Never to old, you can teach an old dog new tricks like me for instance. The museum is located in a great location. Easy parking, some metered, some not.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E S. 5 years ago on Google
    Very informative tours offered! Highly recommend their haunted tour of downtown Vancouver.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Advanced P. 4 years ago on Google • 59 reviews
    We enjoy old buildings. We own pleasant Valley School. This school was built in the 1930's.

  • 5/5 Danielle K. 9 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    Pretty cool and interesting visit. I had never been here until a couple days ago and I grew up here! Lol

  • 5/5 Chris S. 2 years ago on Google
    This building is a beautiful and inviting environment. I attended a lecture here and was greeted by smiling faces and friendly conversation. If you are wanting to get to know this area and gain a greater appreciation, this is the pinnacle of Clark County history.

  • 3/5 Kidogo84 6 years ago on Google
    This is a museum in down town Vancouver. The displays are interesting. It only took us half an hour to go through the whole museum. I think the admission price is a bit much considering how small it is.

  • 3/5 Derek N. 6 years ago on Google
    Free day with open doors. Not bad but I also would not give more than 3 stars.

  • 5/5 John B. 5 years ago on Google
    Smart, little local museum with a friendly and inquisitive staff. If you are looking to connect with your local community and understand why things are the way they are where you are living then start here!

  • 5/5 Destany R. 7 years ago on Google
    Cool good place to go

  • 5/5 Randy R. 7 years ago on Google
    EXCELLENT STAFF! Friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions. The place itself is rather small and could use for more in depth, or at least more exhibits, but for 5 dollars it's a good deal.

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 7 years ago on Google
    Interesting, don't forget to do the geocache here if you're into that sort of thing!

  • 5/5 Micheil M. 2 years ago on Google
    Full access through the Rear of the Building, Always amazing displays and plays an active role in holding the history and changes of Clark County near and dear to them. It's a surprise inside!

  • 5/5 Paul P. 3 years ago on Google
    Currently an exhibit outside in front of museum. Profiles of 20 Vancouver residents.

  • 5/5 Jamey C. 5 years ago on Google
    I am very glad that I finally got to check out this place. I have read both books by Pat Jollata on Vancouver, WA so I have some knowledge about the history of Clarke County. Friendly and helpful staff. The cost of $5 bucks was well worth it. Plus, it goes to support this place and to keep it open. I really enjoyed using the research library downstairs and found a very old 1950 directory with my workplace listed! A little small upstairs, but I recommend this to all of those interested in the history of Vancouver. I will be back!

  • 5/5 Shawn R. 4 years ago on Google
    A small museaum that is fun to pop into for a quick look at our county history.

  • 5/5 Bob A. 6 years ago on Google
    Cool stuff and things to see.

  • 4/5 Wynnifred B. 1 year ago on Google
    I am biased, I am close to an employee. But CCHM is worth a visit, it has a fun take on local history as well as providing an intersectional and responsible approach to regional history. Also...history of local beers...good stuff

  • 4/5 Mark K. 2 years ago on Google
    Good museum. Small but lots of well presented displays and old items. Very friendly and helpful.

  • 5/5 Adam B. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful and informative place to discover the history of our area. The staff is very helpful with research projects!

  • 5/5 Debbie R. 2 years ago on Google
    It was very interesting. My 11 year old grandson really liked it. Some of it took me back to a time that I remember very well!

  • 5/5 Liz W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful historic building, well curated information and exhibits, and lovely people. We'll be visiting again!

  • 4/5 Lorna H. 6 months ago on Google
    Very informative regarding the growth and culture of Vancouver, WA.

  • 5/5 Michael L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool place. Just added a maritime exhibit. Was born here and first time to visit. The space is small, but was an old carnagie library, the bricks were made locally. The only downside is that it is fairly small and the back area definitely can add a new exhibit

  • 5/5 Jeff W. 4 years ago on Google
    Place was nice! Lots of local history!

  • 5/5 Pauline M. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place full of memories. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Brad Richardson is a true historian he is fantastic at his job and a great resource!

  • 3/5 Ellie D. 4 years ago on Google
    Difficult to access if limited mobility.

  • 4/5 Tom W. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm

  • 5/5 cindy s. 4 years ago on Google
    This local museum highlights interesting aspects of living in the PNW, in SW Washington in particular. Current exhibits include one on music which is very interactive and one on transportation and commerce, specifically on rivers which is also very informative and engaging. Next up will be one on brewing. Helpful staff make it an enjoyable while affordable visit.

  • 5/5 Danilyn W. 4 years ago on Google
    They change display from time to time. If you’ve been there go again. I’ve had the honor of cutting an employees hair many times. In conversation about this museum I can see the passion, love and care that goes into this place. Check it out !

  • 5/5 Rick B. 4 years ago on Google
    Helpful staff

  • 1/5 Jordan J. 4 years ago on Google
    you will never replace the library of Alexandria

  • 5/5 Cam K. 4 years ago on Google
    This is an Awesome Museum. It was once a Carnegie Library that was built in 1909 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

  • 5/5 Ms C. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place, I cant believe I've never been in there before. Lots of interesting info..check it out!

  • 5/5 Cliff B. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice little museum with insight into local history.

  • 3/5 Claudia J H. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful museum the place is so good. ♥

  • 5/5 Denice Carter - Carter Suzuki Violin & F. 5 years ago on Google
    Fantastic

  • 4/5 Sandie H. 5 years ago on Google
    A variety of displays that will pique many interests.

  • 4/5 Mary P. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice Little Museum

  • 4/5 C S. 4 years ago on Google
    Decided to try something different and visited this place and I'm glad I did. Lots of information and history.

  • 5/5 John M. 6 years ago on Google
    A nice place to visit

  • 5/5 Isaiah I. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place with good displays of the rich local history. Knowledgeable staff who are very helpful.

  • 5/5 Cheri G. 6 years ago on Google
    Very nice and knowledgeable staff.

  • 5/5 Theresa D. 6 years ago on Google
    What a quaint place. They offer great info about Clark County for this life long resident.

  • 4/5 Trevor E. 6 years ago on Google
    A little small, but nice

  • 4/5 George F. 6 years ago on Google
    Lots of stairs but excellent exhibits.

  • 5/5 Megan M. 1 year ago on Google • 2 reviews
    CCHM is an invaluable resource to the greater Clark County community. Their historic building (Carnegie Library) alone is worth checking out, but it's full of incredible exhibits, and an impressive research library of reference materials and historic documents. They are also an event venue! Additionally, if you are looking for a unique date night or reason to get out of the house, the museum offers a plethora of fun and educational events, both on site and around the county. Do yourself a favor and check this place out!


Call +1 360-993-5679 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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