News Release

World War II Encampment to be Hosted at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Park visitors talk with a volunteer US Army reenactor as they admire a military Jeep.

NPS Photo / Jen Ladd

News Release Date: July 5, 2024

Contact: Jennifer Ladd, 360-953-1905

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.

“The US Army had a 164-year history at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and that time period included World War II,” said Volunteer Program Coordinator Jennifer Ladd. “During the war, Vancouver Barracks served as a port of embarkation, where thousands of soldiers were organized, equipped, and trained before being sent to combat in Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.”

During the event, living history volunteers will portray members of various US Army units from World War II, representing medics, cavalry, infantry, and personnel from the US Army Air Corps, Women’s Army Corps, and more. The volunteers will bring their own uniforms, weapons, tents, and equipment, including military Jeeps and trucks from the period. The encampment will be located outdoors, at the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground just east of the reconstructed bandstand. The public is welcome to stroll through the encampment, talk with the living history reenactors, and get a close-up view of their uniforms and equipment.

“We are excited to grow this partnership with the National Park Service to bring a World War II living history event to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site,” said Eric Porter, Unit Commander of the 113th Cavalry Living History Group. “This is the eighth year we have participated in this event at the park, and every year it just gets bigger.”

The park’s Visitor Center, Pearson Air Museum, and the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company fort will be open from 9 am to 4 pm during the event.

What: World War II living history encampment
Who: Living History Group Northwest, in partnership with the National Park Service
When: 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday, July 20, 2024
Where: Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Cost: Free