The Historic Trust

THE HISTORIC TRUST:

CELEBRATING HISTORY. INSPIRING TOMORROW.

The Trust needs your gift now to help preserve Providence Academy for generations to come.

Our community and region are so fortunate to have this important and memorable historic resource still in active service!

The Trust is honored to preserve the humanitarian and action-filled legacy of Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart through stewardship of the Academy. Opened in 1874, this storied structure, designed by Mother Joseph at a time when female architects were quite uncommon, has been an iconic part of Vancouver's landscape for more than 150 years. The building represents the profound impact she and the Sisters of Providence had on the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the areas of social service, education and health care.

Since The Trust acquired the Academy in 2015, our community partners, donors, volunteers, and staff have spent a decade pouring an immense amount of love and care into stabilizing and restoring this regional treasure.  A recent landscape project, the Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square, is slated for completion this fall. This transformative project brings new community gathering space and green space to this historic corner of downtown Vancouver, including the Sacred Heart Garden designed by Mother Joseph herself. The park-like place will be inviting and welcoming for all.

The Academy supports economic revitalization with dozens of small businesses operating within its office spaces, cultural vitality with a broad scope of public and private events happening year-round, and educational value with interpretive exhibits and regularly scheduled docent-led tours offered free to the public. Come visit the businesses, and take a tour!

The need for continued investment in Providence Academy is timely.

More than $17 million has been invested in preservation and restoration of the Academy, but costs to maintain and enhance any building, especially a 151-year-old one, are extraordinary. The building is used and loved, and works hard to make a living, but the heart of the matter is there's a list of preservation projects that is never-ending.

In honor of Mother Joseph's generous and caring spirit, please make a gift from the heart to The Historic Trust today.

This well-built and venerable Academy made of stone and Hidden bricks has stood the test of time, but needs detailed preservation, repairs, and preventive maintenance and safety work as it remains a vibrant community hub now and for future generations. 

In 1936, ivy consumed Providence Academy's main entrance. Photo credit: Providence Archives, 22.D2.20a 

Thank YOU for your heartfelt investment through Give More 24 in this remarkable architectural treasure!

MISSON: The Historic Trust inspires civic pride and economic vitality through education, preservation, and celebration of our community’s history. 

VISION: The Historic Trust envisions a vibrant community that preserves and celebrates its rich history while shaping its legacy for the future.

ABOUT US: The Trust manages and preserves Officers Row, the West Barracks, and Providence Academy to ensure they serve the needs of the southwest Washington community through adaptive reuse. These historic places and spaces are brought to life with public programming to welcome visitors from near and far to interact with and learn more about the history and heritage of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve and local community.