Join the Museum's Educator, Julia Triezenberg, for some virtual learning.

August 2020
Weekend Break: A beginner's guide to maritime slang
Slang lives outside the bounds of "proper" use of language, yet it reflects how people really talk to each other. Here are just a few phrases that originated from the maritime world.
Weekend Break: A beginner's guide to maritime slang
Slang lives outside the bounds of "proper" use of language, yet it reflects how people really talk to each other. Here are just a few phrases that originated from the maritime world.

September 2020
Weekend Break: Shipbuilder's efforts remembered 75 years after World War II
Henry J. Kaiser is considered on of the foremost fathers of American shipbuilding. Astoria and other coastal communities found themselves part of his work during World War II.
Weekend Break: Shipbuilder's efforts remembered 75 years after World War II
Henry J. Kaiser is considered on of the foremost fathers of American shipbuilding. Astoria and other coastal communities found themselves part of his work during World War II.

October 2020
Weekend Break: The North Coast's legendary sea monsters
The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to tales of mysterious creatures. Learn about these sea monsters known to be frequenting local waters on the North Oregon coast.
Weekend Break: The North Coast's legendary sea monsters
The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to tales of mysterious creatures. Learn about these sea monsters known to be frequenting local waters on the North Oregon coast.

November 2020
Weekend Break: Sailing the world
Line-crossing ceremonies are a centuries-old tradition in the maritime world. Each ceremony is a rite of passage that initiates a sailor into the industry.
Weekend Break: Sailing the world
Line-crossing ceremonies are a centuries-old tradition in the maritime world. Each ceremony is a rite of passage that initiates a sailor into the industry.

December 2020
Weekend Break: Downright depressing names of the North Coast
Many amazing sites on the Oregon and Washington state coasts are accompanied by downright depressing names. Despite their bleak histories, each spot contributes to the area's mysterious character and makes it all the more compelling.
Weekend Break: Downright depressing names of the North Coast
Many amazing sites on the Oregon and Washington state coasts are accompanied by downright depressing names. Despite their bleak histories, each spot contributes to the area's mysterious character and makes it all the more compelling.

January 2021
Weekend Break: Historical maritime tattoos
From the earliest days of maritime tattooing, sailors have covered themselves in images that symbolize their lives at sea. Many of these images started with distinct meanings and have evolved to how we understand them today.
Weekend Break: Historical maritime tattoos
From the earliest days of maritime tattooing, sailors have covered themselves in images that symbolize their lives at sea. Many of these images started with distinct meanings and have evolved to how we understand them today.

February 2021
Weekend Break: Valentine's Day at sea
Sailors' valentines were gifts sailors would bring to loved ones after time away at sea. They were decorated with intricate patterns made of hundreds of different types of shells.
Weekend Break: Valentine's Day at sea
Sailors' valentines were gifts sailors would bring to loved ones after time away at sea. They were decorated with intricate patterns made of hundreds of different types of shells.

March 2021
Weekend Break: The Columbia's "floating lighthouses"
From 1892 to 1979, five different lightships guided vessels to the mouth of the Columbia River. These "floating lighthouses" served as navigational aids for ships where it wasn't practical to build a standing lighthouse.
Weekend Break: The Columbia's "floating lighthouses"
From 1892 to 1979, five different lightships guided vessels to the mouth of the Columbia River. These "floating lighthouses" served as navigational aids for ships where it wasn't practical to build a standing lighthouse.

April 2021
Weekend Break: The Columbia's fishing horses
The Columbia River used to be home to teams of horses that helped fishermen catch salmon along the river.
Weekend Break: The Columbia's fishing horses
The Columbia River used to be home to teams of horses that helped fishermen catch salmon along the river.

May 2021
Weekend Break: Whaling along Oregon's coast
The North Coast has a little known history of being home to one of the last commercial whaling enterprises in the U.S.
Weekend Break: Whaling along Oregon's coast
The North Coast has a little known history of being home to one of the last commercial whaling enterprises in the U.S.

June 2021
Weekend Break: Remembering the Desdemona Sands Lighthouse
The pilings that used to hold up the Desdemona Sands Lighthouse can still be found on a shoal near the mouth of the Columbia. Because so little of the area around Desdemona Sands was navigable, virtually every large-scale vessel would travel past in on the Oregon side of the river.
Weekend Break: Remembering the Desdemona Sands Lighthouse
The pilings that used to hold up the Desdemona Sands Lighthouse can still be found on a shoal near the mouth of the Columbia. Because so little of the area around Desdemona Sands was navigable, virtually every large-scale vessel would travel past in on the Oregon side of the river.

July 2021
Weekend Break: Astoria's forgotten fire
In July 1883, Astoria faced on of the most devastating fires in its history. Mostly forgotten today, what was known as the "Big Fire" took out a significant chunk of the city's waterfront district.
Weekend Break: Astoria's forgotten fire
In July 1883, Astoria faced on of the most devastating fires in its history. Mostly forgotten today, what was known as the "Big Fire" took out a significant chunk of the city's waterfront district.

August 2021
Weekend Break: The great railroad boom
For years, 19th-century Americans dreamed of a railroad that would connect their town to the rest of the country. After years of work, they finally got their wish.
Weekend Break: The great railroad boom
For years, 19th-century Americans dreamed of a railroad that would connect their town to the rest of the country. After years of work, they finally got their wish.

September 2021
Weekend Break: Antique salmon cans offer a glimpse into history
Columbia River salmon were sold around the world, and the labels on their cans were marketed for specific consumer bases. However, the labels weren't always accurate.
Weekend Break: Antique salmon cans offer a glimpse into history
Columbia River salmon were sold around the world, and the labels on their cans were marketed for specific consumer bases. However, the labels weren't always accurate.

October 2021
Weekend Break: Revisiting a childhood staple
Some Jello-O recipes were family staples, while others were disastrous. One infamous recipe comes from a 1969 cookbook from the Columbia River Maritime Museum Auxilary.
Weekend Break: Revisiting a childhood staple
Some Jello-O recipes were family staples, while others were disastrous. One infamous recipe comes from a 1969 cookbook from the Columbia River Maritime Museum Auxilary.

November 2021
Weekend Break: The 'worm castles' of the sea
Hardtack was a staple food for sailors in the 18th- and 19th-centuries. These "biscuit bricks" were invaluable at the time, but didn't come without their problems.
Weekend Break: The 'worm castles' of the sea
Hardtack was a staple food for sailors in the 18th- and 19th-centuries. These "biscuit bricks" were invaluable at the time, but didn't come without their problems.

December 2021
Weekend Break: The day that changed Astoria forever
December marks the anniversary of one of downtown Astoria's worst disasters: the Great Astoria Fire.
Weekend Break: The day that changed Astoria forever
December marks the anniversary of one of downtown Astoria's worst disasters: the Great Astoria Fire.

January 2022
Weekend Break: Cats, dogs, pigs and goats
For as long as sailors have been at sea, their pets have sailed alongside them. Not only did most pets on board a sailing ship provide some practical purpose, but they were also a reminder of home.
Weekend Break: Cats, dogs, pigs and goats
For as long as sailors have been at sea, their pets have sailed alongside them. Not only did most pets on board a sailing ship provide some practical purpose, but they were also a reminder of home.

February 2022
Weekend Break: Scrimshaw
Scrimshaw, or artwork typically made from whale bones or teeth, is often considered one of the first truly American folk arts. Scrimshaw brought sailors' worlds at home and sea together.
Weekend Break: Scrimshaw
Scrimshaw, or artwork typically made from whale bones or teeth, is often considered one of the first truly American folk arts. Scrimshaw brought sailors' worlds at home and sea together.

March 2022
Weekend Break: Artifacts from the Vaslav
New findings highlight shipwreck on the Columbia River Bar
Weekend Break: Artifacts from the Vaslav
New findings highlight shipwreck on the Columbia River Bar

April 2022
Weekend Break: First light
Many lighthouses have been scattered across the North Coast, although some are no longer standing. Point Adams Lighthouse, the first to be built on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, worked to guide ships entering from the southern side of the river for 24 years.
Weekend Break: First light
Many lighthouses have been scattered across the North Coast, although some are no longer standing. Point Adams Lighthouse, the first to be built on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, worked to guide ships entering from the southern side of the river for 24 years.

April 2022
History & Heritage - Tattoo: Maritime art form has featured many popular images over time
Maritime tattoos have a long and complicated history. Cultures around the world have their own stories behind their designs.
History & Heritage - Tattoo: Maritime art form has featured many popular images over time
Maritime tattoos have a long and complicated history. Cultures around the world have their own stories behind their designs.

May 2022
Weekend Break: Luminist of the River
Rockwell merged science, engineering and art to paint a portrait of the Columbia
Weekend Break: Luminist of the River
Rockwell merged science, engineering and art to paint a portrait of the Columbia

July 2022
Weekend Break: Signal flags
In the days before radio or other electronic communication, sailors used a code of brightly colored flags to communicate with each other from afar.
Weekend Break: Signal flags
In the days before radio or other electronic communication, sailors used a code of brightly colored flags to communicate with each other from afar.

August 2022
Weekend Break: Salty language
Many living in coastal communities are familiar with the acronym CANOE, or the “committee to assign a nautical origin to everything".
Weekend Break: Salty language
Many living in coastal communities are familiar with the acronym CANOE, or the “committee to assign a nautical origin to everything".

September 2022
Weekend Break: Remembering the SS Laurel
There is an age-old maritime rule that ships’ captains should “go down with the ship” in times of disaster.
Weekend Break: Remembering the SS Laurel
There is an age-old maritime rule that ships’ captains should “go down with the ship” in times of disaster.

October 2022
Weekend Break: Historic Fort Columbia
Standing tall from the north side of the mouth of the Columbia River, Fort Columbia is one of the few remaining intact coastal defense sites in the United States.
Weekend Break: Historic Fort Columbia
Standing tall from the north side of the mouth of the Columbia River, Fort Columbia is one of the few remaining intact coastal defense sites in the United States.

November 2022
Weekend Break: Welcome back, sea otters
One of Astoria’s many claims to fame is its position as the oldest permanent United States settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
Weekend Break: Welcome back, sea otters
One of Astoria’s many claims to fame is its position as the oldest permanent United States settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

December 2022
Weekend Break: Clam novelties
Clams of many varieties have long been a seafood staple on the Oregon Coast.
Weekend Break: Clam novelties
Clams of many varieties have long been a seafood staple on the Oregon Coast.

December 2022
Weekend Break: Historic ferries of the Columbia
For travelers between Oregon and Washington, hardworking ferries were the primary method of transportation across the Columbia River for many years.
Weekend Break: Historic ferries of the Columbia
For travelers between Oregon and Washington, hardworking ferries were the primary method of transportation across the Columbia River for many years.

January 2023
Weekend Break: A sailor's respite
During their golden age in the mid-19th century, American whaling ships traveled around the world in search of a big payday.
Weekend Break: A sailor's respite
During their golden age in the mid-19th century, American whaling ships traveled around the world in search of a big payday.

February 2023
Weekend Break: Lighting the path
The mouth of the Columbia River is home to a fascinating history of lighthouses that have safeguarded mariners for more than a century.
Weekend Break: Lighting the path
The mouth of the Columbia River is home to a fascinating history of lighthouses that have safeguarded mariners for more than a century.
March 2023
History & Heritage - Discovering Shipwrecks: Diving into the Graveyard of the Pacific
The watery Graveyard of the Pacific holds the stories of shipwrecks over centuries.
History & Heritage - Discovering Shipwrecks: Diving into the Graveyard of the Pacific
The watery Graveyard of the Pacific holds the stories of shipwrecks over centuries.

March 2023
Weekend Break: Two luxury liners
The North Coast was once home to two luxury liners, known as the “Twin Palaces of the Pacific".
Weekend Break: Two luxury liners
The North Coast was once home to two luxury liners, known as the “Twin Palaces of the Pacific".

May 2023
Weekend Break: Songs of the sea
Sea shanties boast a centuries-old history in the maritime world, with some saying that evidence of shanties goes back to the 15th century.
Weekend Break: Songs of the sea
Sea shanties boast a centuries-old history in the maritime world, with some saying that evidence of shanties goes back to the 15th century.

June 2023
Weekend Break: Columbia Gillnetters
Though fewer in number today, gillnetters were once a common sight on the Columbia River and fueled the Oregon and Washington coasts’ maritime industries.
Weekend Break: Columbia Gillnetters
Though fewer in number today, gillnetters were once a common sight on the Columbia River and fueled the Oregon and Washington coasts’ maritime industries.

July 2023
Weekend Break: The art of the shadow box
Today, the term “shadow box” is broadly used to describe a glass case where items are put on display. Museums, libraries, archives and other institutions across the world use shadow boxes to protect precious art and artifacts for generations.
Weekend Break: The art of the shadow box
Today, the term “shadow box” is broadly used to describe a glass case where items are put on display. Museums, libraries, archives and other institutions across the world use shadow boxes to protect precious art and artifacts for generations.

August 2023
Weekend Break: Regatta traditions
In August, Clatsop County hosts one of the oldest festivals in the Northwest: the Astoria Regatta.
Weekend Break: Regatta traditions
In August, Clatsop County hosts one of the oldest festivals in the Northwest: the Astoria Regatta.

September 2023
Weekend Break: Tuna shortcake
Bumble Bee Seafood Co. has long been a household name on the Oregon Coast.
Weekend Break: Tuna shortcake
Bumble Bee Seafood Co. has long been a household name on the Oregon Coast.

October 2023
Weekend Break: Mapping sea monsters
What did the world look like 400 years ago? For many cartographers of the time, it was difficult to say.
Weekend Break: Mapping sea monsters
What did the world look like 400 years ago? For many cartographers of the time, it was difficult to say.

November 2023
Weekend Break: Seafaring phrases
Maritime history in many parts of the world is thousands of years old. People traveling across the globe brought their language with them just as much as physical goods.
Weekend Break: Seafaring phrases
Maritime history in many parts of the world is thousands of years old. People traveling across the globe brought their language with them just as much as physical goods.

December 2023
Weekend Break: Ship figureheads
We often see ships’ figureheads today isolated from their historical context — separated from their vessels and on display in museums.
Weekend Break: Ship figureheads
We often see ships’ figureheads today isolated from their historical context — separated from their vessels and on display in museums.

December 2023
Weekend Break: Maintaining the jetties
The Columbia River Bar is a notoriously dangerous place to navigate.
Weekend Break: Maintaining the jetties
The Columbia River Bar is a notoriously dangerous place to navigate.

February 2024
Weekend Break: Maritime superstitions
Life at sea during the Golden Age of Sail could be deadly.
Weekend Break: Maritime superstitions
Life at sea during the Golden Age of Sail could be deadly.

March 2024
Weekend Break: Half hulls
No matter the size, building a ship is a monumental task. For hundreds of years, shipwrights have looked for ways to accurately and affordably convey their designs to prospective buyers.
Weekend Break: Half hulls
No matter the size, building a ship is a monumental task. For hundreds of years, shipwrights have looked for ways to accurately and affordably convey their designs to prospective buyers.

April 2024
Weekend Break: An 'apogee' steamship
When it was built, the Great Republic was intended to be a symbol of the United States’ unity after the Civil War. President Lincoln signed on to the construction of four Pacific Mail Steamship Co. steamships just two months before he was assassinated.
Weekend Break: An 'apogee' steamship
When it was built, the Great Republic was intended to be a symbol of the United States’ unity after the Civil War. President Lincoln signed on to the construction of four Pacific Mail Steamship Co. steamships just two months before he was assassinated.

May 2024
Weekend Break: Staying afloat
For many, the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of water safety is wearing a life jacket.
Weekend Break: Staying afloat
For many, the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of water safety is wearing a life jacket.

June 2024
Weekend Break: Crossing lines
Line-crossing ceremonies are rites of passage in the maritime world, marking sailors’ movement across key waterways or geographic regions — like the equator, prime meridian, international date line or Arctic Circle.
Weekend Break: Crossing lines
Line-crossing ceremonies are rites of passage in the maritime world, marking sailors’ movement across key waterways or geographic regions — like the equator, prime meridian, international date line or Arctic Circle.

July 2024
Weekend Break: A 1940s maritime recipe
Cooking onboard large oceangoing vessels is a monumental task. Many would consider the cook’s job to be one of the most important, as food plays a crucial role in upholding crew morale.
Weekend Break: A 1940s maritime recipe
Cooking onboard large oceangoing vessels is a monumental task. Many would consider the cook’s job to be one of the most important, as food plays a crucial role in upholding crew morale.

August 2024
Weekend Break: Soldiers of the surf
Maritime commerce has been a pillar of the United States economy since its founding years.
Weekend Break: Soldiers of the surf
Maritime commerce has been a pillar of the United States economy since its founding years.

September 2024
Weekend Break: Sailors turned weavers
Marlinspike seamanship — a term used in the maritime world to describe expert ropework and knotwork — has been a pillar of coastal communities for thousands of years.
Weekend Break: Sailors turned weavers
Marlinspike seamanship — a term used in the maritime world to describe expert ropework and knotwork — has been a pillar of coastal communities for thousands of years.

October 2024
Weekend Break: Fort Canby at Cape Disappointment
Fort Canby was one of the earliest forts built in Washington state. Located at Cape Disappointment, it was one of three major defenses on the lower Columbia River.
Weekend Break: Fort Canby at Cape Disappointment
Fort Canby was one of the earliest forts built in Washington state. Located at Cape Disappointment, it was one of three major defenses on the lower Columbia River.

November 2024
Weekend Break: Remembering the Astoria Train Depot
At one time, 118 miles of railroad line ran along the Columbia River and the North Coast, connecting Portland’s Union Station to Seaside.
Weekend Break: Remembering the Astoria Train Depot
At one time, 118 miles of railroad line ran along the Columbia River and the North Coast, connecting Portland’s Union Station to Seaside.