FY26 Costume Shop

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has a rich cultural past. From a frontier fur trading post to a powerful military legacy, the magic of flight, and the origin of the American Pacific Northwest, the park’s complex history is shared at four unique sites that present stories of transition, settlement, conflict, and community. As a living history museum, costumes play a central role in recreating historic scenes and helping interpreters present quality programs. Our Costume Department is run by a dedicated crew of volunteers who research, catalog, produce, and maintain appropriate attire and accessories. Specializing in the fur trade and early military eras of the Pacific Northwest from 1825-1945, the park’s collection has grown to over 10,000 items, many of which have been meticulously reproduced using extant garments and period resources.

Costume Shop volunteers research, fabricate, catalog, and maintain appropriate period attire and accessories for use in the park’s interpretive programs. Our interpretive volunteers help bring the park to life, and Costume Shop volunteers help them to do it! Through excellent customer service, volunteers in this shop will provide a positive, welcoming atmosphere for both new and returning interpretive volunteers and park staff. Ensuring that both visitors and volunteers have a positive overall experience helps to support the broader missions of the National Park Service and Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.