The Historic Trust

Emergency Messages as of 5:24 AM, Thu. Jun 12

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from The Historic Trust.

News Release

The Historic Trust Breaks Ground On Sacred Heart Plaza At Ed Lynch Square (Photo) -06/06/25

On June 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The Historic Trust held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction phase for a new public gathering space at Providence Academy: the Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square at 400 E. Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, Washington.

This project is the culmination of a multi-year, $2.4 million effort by The Historic Trust, generous donors led by the Ed & Dollie Lynch Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, and project partners such as Bremik Construction, Ehlbeck Architecture & Design, Continuum Preservation Consulting, and Mackay Sposito, Inc.

“The Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square will revitalize this very visible space directly across from the Vancouver Community Library, creating a seamless transition from the heart of Downtown to the front doors of this historic architectural gem,” states President & CEO of The Historic Trust, Temple Lentz. “We are thrilled to finally break ground on this welcoming and contemplative space for the entire community to enjoy, and pay homage to Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart’s work here in Vancouver.

The Academy’s southern frontage has had many uses over time, including formal and productive gardens; spaces for play, exercise, and sports; spiritual observances; parking; and a restaurant. Many of these activities are historically significant, but few physical remnants remain. Even the Sacred Heart Garden path, originally designed by Mother Joseph in c. 1875, has changed many times over the decades. No photos are known to exist from its earliest years. The new landscape design takes inspiration from the site’s overall history and physically flows from the outline of the Sacred Heart as it exists today, preserving it for future research and historical discovery.

As part of site evolution, the new plan adds to the historic Sacred Heart area paths, connecting them to the new public plaza and more intimate seated gathering and contemplative areas. Planted areas and trees are designed to maximize and frame views of the Academy. Interior pathways will incorporate principles of universal design, adding heightened accessibility to the site, making it more inviting and welcoming for all. Plant varieties were chosen to appeal to the senses with a variety of textures, colors, year-round seasonality, and scents and be durable and climate-hardy. Many of the plants selected represent those used by the Sisters of Providence over time.

The Historic Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. The Historic Trust purchased Providence Academy in 2015, and has invested more than $16 million in rehabilitation, restoration and preservation of this important Vancouver landmark.

 

The Historic Trust Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony For Sacred Heart Plaza At Ed Lynch Square (Photo) -06/03/25

WHEN: Friday, June 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT 

 

WHERE: Providence Academy: The ceremony will convene outdoors in front of the Providence Academy building located at 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661 

 

WHAT: The Historic Trust will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the construction phase for a new public gathering space at Providence Academy: the Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square. This project is the culmination of a multi-year, $2.4 million effort by The Historic Trust, generous donors led by the Ed & Dollie Lynch Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, and project partners such as Bremik Construction, MacKay Sposito, Inc., Continuum Preservation Consulting, and Ehlbeck Architecture & Design.  

 

Program schedule: 

1:30pm-1:35pm Temple Lentz, President & CEO, The Historic Trust  

1:35pm-1:40pm Linda Glover, Board Chair, The Historic Trust 

1:40pm-1:45pm Elson Strahan 

1:45pm-1:50pm Michael Lynch 

1:50pm-2:00pm Photos with Shovels 

 

Speakers and project partners will be available for interviews. 

 

The Historic Trust Announces Exciting Summer Event Series At Fort Vancouver National Site: Celebrating Music, Culture, And Family Fun (Photo) -06/02/25

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Join us this summer for a vibrant season of outdoor concerts, cultural and heritage celebrations, and family-friendly events—brought to you by The Historic Trust in partnership with the City of Vancouver. All events are free and open to the public, celebrating the community, traditions, and diversity that make our home unique. Running from June through September, this dynamic series offers something for all ages—there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

 

Summer Music Concerts

Enjoy monthly music concerts on the O.O. Howard House lawn. From Latin jazz to blues and 80s covers, these concerts will have everyone on their feet. Bring along a picnic blanket and relax under the shade trees. Food trucks and a beer garden offer a variety of refreshment options. Bands/musicians include:

 

6/27/25 - Big Bossa Quartet

7/11/25 – Huckle Buck Highway

8/15/25 - LaRhonda Steele

9/12/25 - Exit 52

 

Culture and Heritage Events

Celebrate Vancouver’s vibrant cultural diversity and rich history through a variety of events, including welcoming the summer at the Summer Solstice Celebration, exploring new skills on Craft Day, and experiencing diverse cultural dance and music at Day of Dance and Drum Day. Event dates include:

 

6/20/25 – Summe Solstice Celebration

6/21/25 – Craft Day

7/12/25 – Day of Dance

9/20/25 – Drum Day

 

Family Events

Spend quality family time at our exciting lineup of family-friendly events! Enjoy kids’ entertainment, yard games, and more at Family Fun Day. Capture a special moment with your furry companion at Pet Portrait Day, where a professional photographer will be on hand. Delight in Puppet Day with a performance of Stellaluna and other engaging puppet shows. Plus, don’t miss an afternoon of interactive play as Columbia Play Project brings their hands-on exhibits for all to enjoy. Event dates include:

 

7/26/25 – Family Fun Day

8/2/25 – Pet Portraits

8/16/25 – Puppet Day

8/23/25 – Columbia Play Project

 

Visit thehistorictrust.org/calendar for information and complete summer schedule.

 

 

 

Several logos of various cities

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

Attached Media Files: General Event Flyer.jpg,