Columbia Maritime Museum

Pete · 11-28-2003, 04:31 PM

Have you ever been? I made time today to visit it for the first time. Overall, it was a very positive experience. The history of shipping on the Columbia is very detailed. The history of commerical fishing on the Columbia focuses on the heydays of the canneries and sail-powered gill-netters. Not enough of the impact of the commercial harvest or reflection of the current practices for me. The exhibits on the Coast Guard provide an nice glimpse of the training and experiences they bring to their job. I think, in light of the vast sport fishing fleet in the lower Columbia that segment was ignored, though arguably, sport fishing isn't a maritime activity. The dictionary says Maritime is "navigation, commerce and shipping".

What I found the most interesting was an unassuming display in the first exhibit hall. It is a series of oral histories on various aspects of commercial fishing and commerce; tapes of people that were involved in those activities made years ago.

59 mile per hour winds and side wise rain kept me from the outdoor exhibits. I guess that's next time.

Rocky · 11-28-2003, 07:06 PM

Thanx Pete, I've always wanted to get in there but it seems like everytime we are over that way
we always have the boat in tow and are in too much of a hurry to either fish, or get home. One of these days, or so we say, we will just hop over for a visit.

1pump · 11-29-2003, 06:24 PM

Yeah, every time I'm down there I drive by and make a note to stop in "next time".

I've been curious about it for years.
I just got back from 3 days in Rockaway and I still didn't make it to the air museum in Tillamook. My brother-in-law and I were going to go today but we slept nearly all day instead.
It's always something.

Steelhead Hound · 11-30-2003, 10:03 PM

Love the Maritime museum. I am thinking of joining the USCG next spring. Not sure yet... :whazzup:

Fast Water · 11-30-2003, 11:26 PM

Same here 1pump. I've been "next timing" it for a zillion years.

I've got to get in there...

OK. Next time for sure!

:smile:

CATCH AND EAT · 12-01-2003, 07:24 AM

They have done a lot of work to it in the past two years. Being that I darn near live in that area during the summer I drove post it each weekend. The CG boat in the window was a huge project and I think they did a great job with it.

All the written history is super interesting and the exhibits are getting much better. Don't forget to tour the light ship Columbia too. My kids love walking through it.

jokester · 12-01-2003, 09:50 AM

Been there a couple times and I loved it! Lots of useful and interesting information available there. I especially like the history of commercial fishing and the Coast Guard stories. They've had to make some rough crosses! :shocked:

-jokester

biederboat · 12-02-2003, 07:57 PM

I've been there several times, always a pleasure. I usually do this in January or February on the rainiest day I can find. If it's nice, I'll do Astoria Column but there are other nice attractions: Fort Clatsop, Flavel House, Astor House and a couple of other historical museums. If you're there on a Saturday, hit Englunds Marine Supply. Excellent place to spend a day. Of course, on the way back, you have to eat at Camp 18 (if you go back via 26). Oh yeah, on the way out go through Jewell and see the big ones!

Biederboat

Fishfeet · 12-05-2003, 09:35 AM

Uhh excuse me, but where is the museum? Never been there but it sounds really interesting! Thanx ahead of time. Bob.

AuntyM · 12-05-2003, 10:52 AM

I have visited the Maritime Museum in Astoria. Very well done displays.

If you ever get up to Victoria, they have a Maritime Museum downtown that is large with displays on 3 floors. The building is pretty old so that musty "old" smell helps to take you back in time as you stroll around.

I also recommend the Undersea Warfare Museum in Keyport and the Bremerton Naval Museum.

CATCH AND EAT · 12-05-2003, 01:04 PM

And while you are there just accross the bridge turn left and drive through the tunnel and turn left to see Fort Columbia. Neat little museum and its set up like Fort Stevens. Not many people know about this neat Fort but it is definitly worth a visit. They even have a few guns that were brought in and mounted on the turrets. Lots of history there and even a fallout shelter.

WildHawg · 12-05-2003, 02:33 PM

It's a really cool place. Started by my Uncle Rolf Klep no less! He's the guy in the painting wearing the Admirals uniform. Really a neat guy--died around 1982?
I haven't been in years, but really need to take my family there--just always too busy (clamming or salmon fishing).

1pump · 12-05-2003, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Uhh excuse me, but where is the museum? Never been there but it sounds really interesting! Thanx ahead of time. Bob.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">It's on the waterfront. Big building with big windows, just across the RR tracks from Hwy 30. If I remember right, it's pretty much in the middle of town, on your right if you're heading west. Pretty well marked.
Is it the one with the big buoys sitting near the RR crossing or is that the CG station? :whazzup: Sorry, I've got CRS disease.

Chromaflage · 12-05-2003, 11:01 PM

I was there last summer. Great place. I really liked the "44" display - awesome vessel. But, this one was my favorite:

ORS