The legacy of Mother Joseph — including people, places and a wax sculpture of baby Jesus — will be celebrated Thursday at the Clark County Historical Museum.
This month’s edition of the First Thursday series will explore several aspects of the pioneering nun, who arrived in Vancouver with her fellow Sisters of Providence in 1856.
“Each of our panelists brings a wealth of information about Mother Joseph, but also a deeper and more personal relationship to the influence she’s had on their lives,” Brad Richardson, executive director of the museum, said in a news release.
Even after her death 116 years ago, her impact on our community and county remains, Richardson said.
If You Go
•What: Celebrating the legacy of Mother Joseph.
• Where: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver.
• When: 7 p.m. Thursday. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
• Admission: $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and students; $3 for 17 and under; free for members.
• Information: Contact the museum at info@cchmuseum.org or 360-993-5679
Scheduled panelists and their topics:
• Richard Burrows, director of community outreach and programs at The Historic Trust: Mother Joseph and the Providence Academy.
• Paul Deming, historian for the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater Historical Society: Mother Joseph and the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater.
• Klaras D. Ihnken and Carolyn Pleny, Providence Academy graduates: Mother Joseph’s legacy at Providence Academy.
• Pat Jollota, local historian and author: Mother Joseph’s life.
The museum will also have special items on display — for Thursday’s presentation only — that represent Mother Joseph and her work.
The artifacts include a life-size wax sculpture of baby Jesus she created. Mother Joseph is also believed to have sewn the infant’s clothes. Its curly blond hair was clipped from a child at the orphanage run by the Sisters of Providence.
Seating is limited.
For more information, contact the museum at 360-993-5679 or at info@cchmuseum.org.
