Try this: “Historic Photographers of Vancouver Barracks” and “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts”

A thousand words

Historian, photographer and retired Army Maj. Jeff Davis will lead a military history talk, “Historic Photographers of Vancouver Barracks,” at 6:30 p.m. today at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson St., Vancouver. From the earliest days of the barracks, government-sponsored pictures and engravings were created, documenting the history of the installation. Private individuals took pictures of the daily life of soldiers and their families. Many of the photographs have not previously been shared publicly. To register for this free program, email jddavis@rocketmail.com.

Home port

The Port of Vancouver hosts free lectures from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today (“United Grain Corporation: Working to Feed the World”) and April 24 (“The Mighty Columbia: Our Working River”) at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Pizza, popcorn, and other concessions will be available to buy, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. A percentage of food sales supports the Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center. Parking is free downtown after 6 p.m. Get more details at portvanusa.com.

Deep thoughts

Bill Quatier will lead “Journaling for the Reluctant,” a free workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House’s Banquet Room, 1109 Washington St., Vancouver. Quatier will cover how to get started as well as the “whats, hows and whys” of journaling. Attendees should bring something to write on and something to write with. Some blank journals, pens and “QueueCards” with writing prompts will be available for $15 to $20, payable by cash or Venmo. Register at meetup.com.

For freedom’s sake

At 4 p.m. Saturday, the Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver, will host a screening of “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” by local documentarian Dru Holley. The film examines the contradictory roles played by Buffalo Soldiers in U.S. history, and how they fought on two sets of front lines: military conflicts abroad and civil rights struggles at home. A question-and-answer session with Holley will follow the film. Admission is free.

Beak peek

The Water Resources Education Center offers a Spring “Beak” Nature Walk from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Take a leisurely springtime walk in search of birds that live in the Columbia River’s water ecosystem. Binoculars will be on hand for participants to borrow. This walk is suitable for individuals and families with kids ages 6 and older. All minors should be accompanied by an adult. Expect to walk 11/2 miles on uneven terrain, including sandy beaches, muddy wetlands and paved surfaces. Register at cityofvancouver.us. Questions? Call 360-487-7111.

… And more

For more details about these and other events — like the Conscious Consumption sustainability series, the final round of Vancouver’s Funniest Comedians contest and the paper-making class at Vancouver Art Space —visit events.columbian.com.