RESEARCH LIBRARY
photo by Michael Mathers
Housed within the Museum’s east end offices, the Ted M. Natt Research Library contains a growing collection of historical resources pertaining to the maritime history of the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest.
Considered one of the best repositories in the country for maritime material from the region, the Library is vital to the Museum’s mission, and serves scholars across the United States and abroad.
This non-circulating reference collection is available by appointment on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to scholars, historians and the general public. Please contact the curatorial staff at least one week in advance to schedule an appointment.
Using the Research Library
The Columbia River Maritime Museum provides staff assistance and a secure, comfortable environment in which to view library materials. The staff will provide guidance in using catalogs and finding aids, and can also suggest other sources that may aid your research.
You may source library materials in person, by phone, or in writing via mail, fax or e-mail.
In person
Schedule your visit with the curatorial staff at least one week in advance. Appointments are available between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. Other dates and times may be scheduled in special circumstances.
If there are specific items you are seeking, they can be pulled in advance of your arrival. No items will be pulled after 3:30 p.m.
Use pencils only. Other writing and recording instruments (including audio recorders and personal computers) are not permitted in the Library.
By phone
Limited assistance is available by phone to those with research questions. Call 503.325.2323. More in-depth information requests must be made in person, or in writing via mail, fax or e-mail.
In writing via mail or fax
Limited research (up to 30 minutes per question) is available via written correspondence. Complete the research request form and send to the address below, or fax to the number below. Please allow two to three weeks for response from staff.
Download and complete the research request form
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Ted M. Natt Maritime Library
1792 Marine Drive
Astoria, Oregon 97103
Fax: 503.325.2331
Search the library catalogPlease be aware of the rights and permissions extended to you for use of materials from the Research Library.
About the Photography Collection
The Columbia River Maritime Museum’s photography collection includes over 20,000 images, most pertaining to nineteenth and early twentieth century history of the Columbia River.
Features of the collection include:
- Shipwrecks at the mouth of the Columbia River (view the shipwreck map)
- Steamboats
- Fishing activities and vessels
- U.S. Navy, World War II
- Cannery operations
- Views of Astoria, Oregon and other river communities
- Large sailing vessels of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
For a complete list of photographic subject categories, view the Photography Subject Holdings.
Obtaining Images for Publication and Historical Research
Reproduction 8x10 images from the photography collection are available in print or high-resolution digital format for $30 each (shipping included). Orders must be paid before requests will be processed, and require approximately three weeks to complete.
To order a reproduction print or digital file, please download and complete an image request form, and mail it to the Museum with your payment.
Download and complete the image request form
NOTE: Images published in any medium require written permission of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Use fees (beyond the cost of the image) and other conditions apply. Please review our image reproduction and use policy for details. Permission to use the image(s) is not fully granted until fees are paid.