The Clark County Historical Museum is pleased to welcome back History on Tap. Join the Clark County Historical Museum for an engaging evening of film and discussion at the historic Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield.

A powerful documentary on immigrant photographer Frank Matsura, followed by a talk exploring identity, community, and the American West.. This installment of History on Tap features a screening of Our Mr. Matsura, a compelling documentary that tells the story of Frank (Sakae) Matsura, a Japanese-born photographer who made his home in rural Washington State in the early 1900s.

Orphaned at a young age and raised in Tokyo, Matsura immigrated to the United States and eventually settled in Okanogan County. There, he became deeply embedded in a diverse community of Native people, settlers, and working-class residents, including cowboys, miners, ranchers, and shopkeepers. Through his photography, Matsura documented everyday life in the American West with warmth, humor, and an unusual sense of intimacy.

Unlike the rigid and formal portraits typical of the era, Matsura’s work often featured playful self-portraits and collaborative images that challenged conventional ideas about identity, gender roles, and representation. His photographs continue to shape how we understand the region’s history today.

Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a discussion exploring Matsura’s legacy, the power of photography in storytelling, and how immigrant voices have shaped the history of the Pacific Northwest.

This installment of History on Tap is made possible through the generosity of our season sponsors, the Old Liberty Theater and Ridgefield Main Street, with media sponsorship through The Columbian, and program support from Enspire Arts and Silver Keys Media.

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Admission $5.

Showtime 7:00pm | Doors Open at 6:00pm