Young dames, engagés show historic skills

VANCOUVER – Young volunteers at Fort Vancouver will host an open house Saturday to demonstrate the historic skills they have learned as members of the Dame School and the Young Engagé School.

The open house is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the reconstructed stockade, 1001 E. Fifth St.

The Youth Volunteer Program, for ages 10 to 18, follows two tracks. Dame School and the Young Engagé School are modeled after historic schools and other ways young people learned skills at the Hudson’s Bay Company fort.

Students learn about the history of Fort Vancouver, and about everyday life in the 1800s. They develop hands-on skills in costumed and basic interpretation and gain practical experience in cultural demonstrations and other public programs.

It is a great way “for young people to learn about history, and to gain important skills that will help them become great volunteers at our living history events,” said Bob Cromwell, chief of interpretation at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

“Many of the skills they learn — public speaking, making presentations and communicating effectively — will also help them excel in their academic life and future careers.”

Go to https://go.usa.gov/xR3FP for information.

Entry fee at Fort Vancouver is $5 for adults; 15 and under are free.