Events & Exhibits
Concerts | Lectures | Exhibits | Field Trips | Tours & Special Events
Upcoming Events:
The Stories We Tell: The Myth and Science on a Restless Coast – Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. for a special presentation from Oregon author, Bonnie Henderson as she presents the myth and science on a restless coast.
Scientists first identified the existence of a fault line off the Pacific Northwest coast—what we now call the Cascadia Subduction Zone—in the mid-1960s. It took another 20 years before geologists found evidence that that fault line routinely launches massive earthquakes that spawn huge tsunamis. Only then did academics start reexamining stories told by native people from Vancouver Island to Humbolt Bay and collected by anthropologists beginning in the 1800s, realizing that what had long been considered by anthropologists to be myths were, in fact, closer to oral history.
Bonnie Henderson is the author of two nonfiction books from Oregon State University Press: the critically acclaimed _The Next Tsunami: Living on a Restless Coast_ and_ Strand: An Odyssey of Pacific Ocean Debris_, which was listed as a Best Book of 2008 by the Seattle Times and was a finalist for the 2009 Oregon Book Awards. She has also written three hiking guidebooks for Mountaineers Books_: Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail, Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon_ (with co-author Zach Urness), _and Day Hiking: Oregon Coast_. She is a former newspaper and magazine writer and editor and has provided communications for a variety of nonprofits,including North Coast Land Conservancy. She lives in Eugene.
This event will be held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR. Seating for this event is at a limited capacity of 50 people, however people are welcome to stop by to donate. This lecture starts promptly at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Parking for this event is extremely limited and it is encouraged to arrive early to find parking. This event is part of the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum’s John Williams Lecture Series that occurs every February through June. For more information about this event, visit www.cbhistory.org or call 503-436-9301.
12 Days of Earth Day Workshops – Sunday, April 21, 2024
Step back into a simpler time when DIY was an integral part of living by taking one or both of our sustainable workshops on Sunday, April 21st in conjunction with the 12 Days of Earth Day. The first workshop is from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. led by our very own Museum Coordinator, Zoe Swain, as she teaches a class on fermenting vegetables. Learn the step-by-step process on how to ferment different vegetables such as cabbage and onions. The cost of this workshop is $20, which includes fermenting materials. You will need to bring your own jars for fermenting.
The second workshop is from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. led by instructor Betty Gearen. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of natural cleaning. You will be able to create a batch of handmade coconut oil soap and then create your own laundry detergent using pure essential oils. Take home laundry soap and do away with harsh chemicals and plastic jugs! The cost of this workshop is $20, which includes soap-making materials. You will need to bring your own containers to put the soap in.
Tickets for each workshop are $20 each and can be purchased at the museum, over the phone at 503-436-9301 or through our online gift shop at https://cbhistory.org/product-category/workshops/
Funds raised from this workshop will go towards the museum’s general operations.
Space for each workshop is limited, and it is expected to sell out, so get your tickets today!
Both workshops are in partnership with the 12 Days of Earth Day, a celebration of activities in Cannon Beach that honor our Earth. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics. Everyone can do something to help solve the plastic pollution problem, and millions of people worldwide are already taking action to reduce their plastic use.
Both workshops will take place at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street in Cannon Beach, Oregon (across from the Cannon Beach Fire Station). Parking is extremely limited, and it is encouraged to arrive early to find a parking space. For more information, visit our website at cbhistory.org or find us on Facebook.
Diving into Oregon’s Marine Reserves – Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., join the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum and the North Coast Land Conservancy as they welcome Dr. Lindsay Aylesworth with ODFW’s Marine Reserve Program. Lindsay will be presenting cool research results from monitoring in our near shore waters, and where the program is heading with the passing of House Bill 4132 in the most recent legislative session. Following Lindsay’s presentation, attendees are invited to stop by the Cannon Beach Gallery to view their latest art exhibit, “The Reserve Inspiration” featuring artwork that is inspired by the beauty and diversity of Oregon’s five Marine Reserves.
Lindsay is the Marine Reserves Program Leader, with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife based in Newport, OR. Lindsay has been with the marine reserves program for the last 7 years, first as ecological project leader and now as the program leader. She has worked for over 16 years at the interface of science, policy, and marine resource management issues. Prior to coming to ODFW, Lindsay worked on a variety of marine issues including international policy and trade of marine species, bycatch in Pacific Island fisheries, endangered species research, and coral reef ecology. Lindsay received her doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia, where she studied data-poor marine species in Southeast Asia. She has a Master’s degree in coastal environmental management from Duke University, and served as a Fulbright Scholar in Brazil.
This event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR. Seating for this event is at a limited capacity of 50 people. This lecture starts promptly at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Parking for this event is extremely limited and it is encouraged to arrive early to find parking. This event is in partnership with North Coast Land Conservancy, Audubon Society of Lincoln City, and the Cannon Beach Gallery. For more info about NCLC, visit https://nclctrust.org, for more info about the Audubon Society of Lincoln City, visit https://www.lincolncityaudubon.org/, and for info about the Cannon Beach Gallery, visit https://www.cannonbeacharts.org/. For further information about this event, visit www.cbhistory.org or call 503-436-9301.
An Oregon Story: Saving Our Beaches, Farmland & More – Film Showing – Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is thrilled to host a film showing of the new documentary, “An Oregon Story: Saving our Beaches, Farmland and More” on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
This groundbreaking film delves into the heart of Oregon’s identity, showcasing its pioneering efforts of conservation and protection of its natural resources. The feature-length documentary, executive produced by Jim Gilbert, highlights Oregon’s innovative land-use planning program that has been a model for the nation. Through a compelling blend of archival footage and interviews, the film honors both the visionaries who established these vital policies and the dedicated individuals who have defended them over the past 50 years.
“Audiences will be taken on a journey through Oregon’s stunning landscapes, from its scenic beaches to its fertile farm and ranch lands,” said Joe Wilson, director of the documentary. “This film is not just about the beauty of Oregon, but also about the farsighted people who fought to protect it and the young generation who is now carrying the torch of environmental stewardship.”
“An Oregon Story” is more than a documentary; it’s a tribute to Oregon’s spirit and commitment to preserving its natural and agricultural heritage. The film has been shown in various theaters across Oregon, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to witness the story of Oregon’s environmental triumph and ongoing efforts in land conservation.
Viewers are encouraged to check the film’s official website www.anoregonstory.com for the latest updates on showtimes and locations. The documentary’s release is a chance for communities across Oregon to come together and celebrate the state’s rich conservation legacy.
This film showing is free (but donations are gladly accepted), and will be held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. Doors for this event open at 2:00 p.m. Seating for this film showing is limited to 50 people and parking is extremely limited. The Museum is located at 1387 South Spruce Street in Cannon Beach, Oregon.
For further information, media inquiries, or to schedule an interview, please contact Jim Gilbert or Joe Wilson.
Jim Gilbert Joe Wilson
Phone: 503-502-6925 Phone: 503-528-4381
Emal: jgilbert@oregonsbest.com Email: joe@bergmanproductions.com
Website: www.anoregonstory.com
Phone: 503-502-6925 Phone: 503-528-4381
Emal: jgilbert@oregonsbest.com Email: joe@bergmanproductions.com
Website: www.anoregonstory.com
Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon – Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Join the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. for their last lecture of the season as they welcome Oregon author, Jerry Sutherland. Jerry will be discussing his latest book, Bayocean: Atlantis of the Ocean which focuses on the Oregon resort town that fell into the Pacific Ocean. Like Plato’s fictional island kingdom, most of Bayocean sank below the sea long ago. The rest lies buried beneath the shore pine, salal, and beach grass covering the four-mile-long spit that protects Tillamook Bay from the Pacific Ocean. His book chronicles the half-century the Oregon resort town existed, tells the stories of the people involved, and explains its financial and physical demise. Fifty-seven maps, photographs, and diagrams help readers visualize this unique catastrophe.
Jerry Sutherland began researching Oregon history in 2012 after his father (Art) asked him to look up something about Calvin Tibbets at the Oregon Historical Society. The thrill he experienced in discovering new information about historical events and people led to future visits, trips to archives across the United States and Canada, and the publishing of Calvin Tibbets: Oregon’s First Pioneer in August 2016.
In the fall of 2014, Sutherland learned that Bayocean—the sandspit that separates Tillamook Bay from the Pacific Ocean—had once hosted a thriving resort. His surprise at having never seen any evidence of its existence while hiking there prompted him to learn more. He created www.bayocean.net to share some of what he was discovering with the public. When Grant McOmie took notice in the summer of 2015, he asked for help with a Grant’s Getaway program about Bayocean. Four years later, Jule Gilfillan consulted him regarding an Oregon Field Guide special. Increasing interest from book publishers prompted Sutherland to start writing Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon in 2019. It was published in February 2023. Signed books will be available for purchase.
This event is free and open to the public and will be held at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR. Seating for this event is at a limited capacity of 50 people. This lecture starts promptly at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024. Parking for this event is extremely limited and it is encouraged to arrive early to find parking. This lecture is part of the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum’s annual John Williams Lecture Series that occurs every February through June. For further information about this event, visit www.cbhistory.org or call 503-436-9301.
Exhibits:
Temporary Exhibit:
From the Vault Exhibit
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is home to thousands of artifacts, each with their own unique history. From the Vault showcases nearly twenty different objects and photographs from the depths of the Museum’s archives. These artifacts have been explicitly chosen for their uniqueness and pertinence to the history of Cannon Beach. Visitors will discover the stories behind these unseen treasures. One of the iconic artifacts featured is the saddle used by Mary Gerritse while riding her horse Prince to deliver the mail along the coastline. The saddle is accompanied by entries from her journal sharing her harrowing story of nearly falling from a cliff side, to coming face to face with both a mountain lion and a bear, at different times. Gerritse took over the mail route when her husband was unable. She acted as the area’s mail carrier from 1897 until 1902.
The saddle Mary Gerritse wore with her horse, Prince.
The exhibit will also feature recently donated items from local businesses from way back when, and well as donated images taken by Frank Woodfield.
Discover tidbits of Cannon Beach history that you won’t find anywhere else! On display now through December of 2016.
Temporary Classroom Exhibit:
60 Years of Sandcastle Exhibition
One of the sandcastles from the 1970’s
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is excited to announce the opening of its newest temporary exhibition, 60 Years of Sandcastles, opening March 1, 2024. Explore 60 years of sandcastle history with pictures, artifacts, and original posters from years past. The first Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest was held just a few months after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in U.S. history in March 1964. The 9.2 earthquake set a tsunami in motion that moved with such strength and velocity that the Ecola Creek Bridge was washed away and buildings on the north end of Cannon Beach were torn asunder. The townspeople of Cannon Beach were in shock and tourism began to dwindle. That spring, local families gathered for a Sandcastle Contest to help attract visitors. 60 years later the event has grown in popularity and continues to draw large crowds from all over the Pacific Northwest.
The 60 Years of Sandcastles exhibition will be on display at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum beginning March 1st through June 14th.