The ocean is one of the least explored places on Earth due to its enormous depth and vastness. Much of the Amazonian Rainforest and the Sahara Desert have been surveyed and catalogued, but much of the deep, mysterious ocean remains untouched by humanity. From a human perspective today, the ocean is often seen as a place for cruise ships or deep-sea fishing.
But not all that long ago, the ocean represented the unknown. Explorers from hundreds of years ago boarded their ships in search of new territory, fully aware they might never see land again. Ancient maps marked the end of the world and water dragons. Myths and legends were further developed, including tall tales of mermaids, sirens, and giant, ship-eating Krakens. But through bravery and impressive innovation, people were able to confidently navigate these waters, even without knowing everything that goes on in the depths.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria is an extraordinary space that shows the vast history of seafaring. Something really amazing about this museum is that it covers a wide range of ocean history and how cultures have navigated it. A current exhibition of theirs is On the River, which explores the remarkable history of transportation and travel on the Columbia River. Included are detailed boat models, photographic documentation, and immersive soundscapes. It is a truly awesome experience that transports you into an interesting part of Oregon’s history.
Cedar and Sea: The Maritime Culture of the Indigenous People of the Pacific Northwest Coast is another current exhibit at the Maritime Museum that shows the indigenous tribe’s understanding of their environment and how they lived with it. This exhibit includes tools fashioned from stone and wood, as well as present-day materials and practices still used by their descendants.
SHIPWRECKS! is another really cool exhibition at the Maritime Museum that explores the many issues that can cause a shipwreck. Additionally, the exhibit delves deeper into how sailors have responded to shipwrecks and the preventive measures that have since been implemented. Seeing something like this makes me grateful to be on land, rather than learning about shipwrecks while on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
Another exhibit currently on view at the museum is Crossing the Bar: Perilous Passage, which explores the incredible entrance to the Columbia River, where it meets the stormy Pacific Ocean. Some of the most extreme weather forces meet at this intersection between the river and ocean, and you will get to see just how powerful it can get. This exhibit includes never-before-seen footage of rough-water passages from the US Coast Guard and a rare bar pilot boat used to transfer pilots to ships.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located at 1792 Marine Drive. Astoria, Oregon 97103, and they are open every day from 9:30am to 5:00pm. It is free for members, $18 for Adults, $15 for Seniors, $8 for children ages 6 to 17, and Free for children 5 and under. Also, Active Duty Military can visit for free.
I am not sure if this is just me getting older and grumpier, but I always want to know what the parking situation is like at places. Well, I am happy to report that there is plenty of on-site parking, so finding a decent spot for your car won’t be an issue.
For anyone wondering what else might be offered at this museum, they also have a floating lighthouse, a tugboat, a WWII warship bridge you can walk across, and so much more. This will surely be an outing that the whole family, regardless of age or interests, will enjoy.
Astoria is a great little town with so much to see and do. Depending on where you are travelling from, even a day trip there can be worthwhile. And for those who may live locally, if you haven’t already been to the Maritime Museum, then finding a time to check it out with your family will make for a really fun outing.
The ocean is one of the biggest mysteries left on our planet. Despite the unknown, humans have learned to navigate these treacherous waters through remarkable ingenuity. Seafaring is an amazing part of our humanity, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum proves this.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.
