My Account | Cart | Checkout

Events & Exhibits

Concerts | Lectures | Exhibits | Field Trips | Tours & Special Events

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday Workspace – Every Wednesday during open hours

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is excited to introduce “Wednesday Workspace,” a new community space initiative designed to provide a welcoming environment for creativity, productivity, and connection.
Starting March 19, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum’s John Williams Classroom event space will be open for anyone to use—whether you need a quiet place to work, a space to collaborate, or simply a spot to unwind with fellow community members. This event is free and open to the public, though donations are always accepted to support the museum’s mission.
What to Expect at Wednesday Workspace:
Open & Flexible Space – Work on anything you like: bring a laptop, a notebook, an art project, or just yourself. WiFi is available.
Community & Connection – Meet others, exchange ideas, or enjoy a casual space to chat.
No Registration Required – Drop in anytime during open hours and make the space your own.
“We want the museum to be more than just a place to explore history—we want it to be a gathering space where the community can come together and visit, share ideas, and create,” says Liz Scott, Executive Director.
The Wednesday Workspace is part of the museum’s commitment to fostering community engagement, providing an inclusive and accessible space for locals and visitors alike. The John Williams Classroom event space has been thoughtfully arranged to accommodate a variety of needs, from solo projects to group discussions.
When: Every Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, 1387 South Spruce Street

Gaylord Nelson Presentation & Earth Day Film – Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Don’t miss the 2025 Gaylord Nelson Award Presentation at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum followed by a special screening of The Biggest Little Farm on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:00 PM.
Gaylord Nelson, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Wisconsin, was a passionate advocate for environmental protection and is widely recognized as the founder of Earth Day. His leadership helped shape America’s fundamental environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. In his honor, the Gaylord Nelson Award is presented annually to an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding environmental stewardship. The 2025 recipient will be announced during this event, selected by a committee of past honorees.
Following the award presentation, attendees are invited to enjoy a screening of The Biggest Little Farm, an inspiring documentary that chronicles John and Molly Chester’s eight-year journey to transform 200 acres of barren farmland into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem. The film highlights the importance of regenerative agriculture and living in harmony with nature, offering a hopeful vision for a sustainable future. With breathtaking cinematography and a powerful message, The Biggest Little Farm is a must-see for anyone passionate about conservation and environmental sustainability.
This event is free and open to the public and is part of the 12 Days of Earth Day events organized by the City of Cannon Beach’s Parks & Community Services Committee.
This event will take place at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.

Tufted Puffins: Protecting a Coastal Icon – Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum invites the public to an informative lecture on tufted puffins on Thursday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m., featuring Lisa Habecker, Volunteer and Education Coordinator for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program. Habecker will delve their fascinating behaviors, migration patterns, and the challenges they face, including climate change, habitat loss, predation pressures, and food scarcity. Despite their declining numbers in the southern range, the tufted puffin remains a symbol of resilience in the North Pacific.

Haystack Rock is home to Oregon’s second-largest tufted puffin colony, offering a unique opportunity to study these charismatic seabirds from shore. The Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP) has been dedicated to protecting Haystack Rock’s marine and bird life for over 40 years. Through community engagement and public education, HRAP fosters a deeper understanding of the fragile ecosystem at Haystack Rock, encouraging conservation efforts to preserve this unique habitat for future generations. HRAP staff and volunteers provide on-the-beach education, lead guided tidepool explorations, and support scientific monitoring to ensure the protection of this critical environment.

Attendees can also view Friends of Haystack Rock’s (FOHR) 20th Anniversary temporary exhibit, which celebrates two decades of conservation, education, and advocacy efforts at Haystack Rock. The exhibit highlights FOHR’s mission to promote the preservation and protection of intertidal life and birds that inhabit the Marine Garden and Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge at Haystack Rock. FOHR accomplishes this in cooperation with the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP), other partners, and the community. Visitors will explore interactive displays showcasing educational initiatives, research projects, and conservation efforts that continue to make a lasting impact on this natural treasure.

This free event is held in partnership with the 12 Days of Earth Day events organized by the City of Cannon Beach’s Parks & Community Services Committee. The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 17th at 4:00 PM at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street, Cannon Beach, OR. Seating is limited, and guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.

Hop Through History: A Family Fun Event – Saturday, April 19 from 11am – 4pm

Celebrate springtime and community at Hop Through History: A Family Fun Event at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum! On Saturday, April 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., families are invited to enjoy a festive day of games, learning, and laughter, all free and open to the public.

This special Easter weekend event is packed with fun activities for all ages. The highlight of the day is the Hop Through History Challenge, a self-guided scavenger hunt and movement game that leads visitors through interactive, history-themed stations throughout the museum. Complete bunny-inspired movement tasks and Cannon Beach trivia questions at each stop for a chance to win a prize!

Kick off the day with a classic Easter Egg Hunt from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., eggs will be hidden throughout the museum and filled with sweet treats, fun stickers, and nuggets of local history. Then from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., hop your way through the museum with the scavenger hunt and trivia challenge.

Young artists can take part in the Easter Coloring Contest, coloring sheets will be available throughout the day, and a winner will be announced at 3:00 p.m. And for the grown-ups, try your luck at Egg Roulette all day long! Pick a mystery egg and discover what’s inside, it might be a prize, a silly dare, or a playful way to support the museum with a donation.

Whether you’re a history buff, a trivia lover, or just looking for some springtime cheer, this event promises a fun and meaningful day for the whole family.

All activities take place at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, located at 1387 South Spruce Street in Cannon Beach, Oregon. For more information, visit www.cbhistory.org or follow the museum on social media.

 

Calvin Tibbets: Oregon’s First Pioneer – Thursday, April 24 at 4:00 p.m.

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum invites the community to a special presentation on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., featuring returning author of Bayocean: Atlantis of Oregon, Jerry Sutherland, as he explores the life and legacy of Calvin Tibbets, Oregon’s first pioneer.
Sutherland, a dedicated researcher of Oregon’s early history, shines light on Calvin Tibbets, a little-known but pivotal figure in the state’s past. When Tibbets arrived in Oregon Country in 1832, British influence dominated the region. As the first American settler with the explicit goal of securing Oregon for the United States, he helped pave the way for missionaries, mountain men, and wagon train pioneers. His contributions were crucial in shaping Oregon’s early history, yet his story has largely been overlooked—until now.
This comprehensive presentation will examine Tibbets’ journey, including the inland route he took through the Cannon Beach area, which differed from William Clark’s trek over Tillamook Head and the mid-level route later used by early settlers. Attendees will also gain insight into the roles of historical figures such as John McLoughlin, Jason Lee, Elbridge Trask, and Bethenia Owens-Adair in Oregon’s development. Copies of Sutherland’s book will be available for purchase at the event.
This event is part of the annual John Williams Lecture Series and is generously sponsored by The Wayside Inn. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

The Art of Pairing: A Tea + Culinary Experience – Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11am

Indulge your senses at The Art of Pairing: A Tea + Culinary Experience on Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. This spring-inspired event is a flavorful four-course journey of artfully curated teas and light bites—perfect for tea lovers, food enthusiasts, and the culinary curious alike. From sweet delights to savory surprises, each course has been thoughtfully paired to ignite your palate and awaken the senses. This unique experience is brought to you by north coast locals Rainy Day Boards & Bakery and Ghost Ship Teas, in collaboration with the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum.

Tickets are $45 and extremely limited. Reserve your seat today by purchasing online at cbhistory.org, in person at the museum located at 1387 South Spruce Street in Cannon Beach, or by calling 503-436-9301. Don’t miss this flavorful celebration of community, creativity, and the art of pairing.

Crossing the Bar in 1846: The Story of the USS Shark – Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum for a captivating exploration into the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. On Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., historian Robert F. Bailey will present the story of the USS Shark as part of the Museum’s John Williams Lecture Series.

In the mid-19th century, the Columbia River Bar, often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” proved treacherous even for the most experienced sailors. Two U.S. Navy vessels, the USS Peacock in 1841 and the USS Shark in 1846, were lost to these unpredictable waters despite warnings from seasoned captains in Hawaii and the cautious navigation of skilled commanders. Both captains were exonerated of any fault, yet Lieutenant Neil M. Howison, commander of the Shark, carried at least one unanswered question with him to his death in 1848.

More than 150 years later, a surprising discovery would shed new light on the mystery. Hidden for generations in an attic trunk, a letter written by an eyewitness to the Shark’s final days surfaced, revealing a crucial detail about what happened on September 10, 1846. This newly uncovered account continues to inspire fresh curiosity about the fate of the vessel and its enduring legacy. Bailey’s talk delves into this discovery and its impact on our understanding of 19th-century naval exploration.

Robert F. Bailey, a fifth-generation Californian and retired civil engineer, has spent years researching the lives, ships, and events that shaped the histories of Oregon and California. His engaging and well-researched presentations demonstrate how even long-lost letters and overlooked relics can offer powerful new insights into the past.

This event is free and open to the public, though seating is limited, early arrival is encouraged. Donations to the museum are appreciated and help support our ongoing educational programs and exhibitions. This lecture is generously sponsored by the Wayside Inn.

Exhibits:

Temporary History Exhibit:

Friends of Haystack Rock – Celebrating 20 Years of Conservation!

 

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is excited to present a temporary exhibit celebrating 20 years of the Friends of Haystack Rock (FOHR). This special exhibit highlights FOHR’s dedication to the preservation, education, and advocacy of marine life at Haystack Rock, with a focus on the iconic tufted puffins and the rich intertidal ecosystem.

Visitors will explore two decades of FOHR’s impactful work through displays showcasing educational initiatives, ongoing research, and advocacy efforts that have made a lasting difference for Cannon Beach’s marine environment. This exhibit honors FOHR’s mission to protect and celebrate the unique biodiversity of Haystack Rock, inspiring both residents and visitors to continue advocating for this incredible natural treasure.

Come join us at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum to celebrate FOHR’s remarkable journey!

 

Temporary Classroom Exhibit:

Picturing the Past: Postcards from Cannon Beach to Astoria

Step back in time with the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum’s newest temporary exhibit, Picturing the Past: Postcards from Cannon Beach to Astoria, on display in the John Williams Classroom through April 2025.
This captivating exhibit highlights the work of Frank Woodfield, a prolific early 20th-century photographer whose images preserved the beauty and history of Oregon’s North Coast. Woodfield operated a photography shop in Astoria until the devastating Great Fire of 1922 destroyed his business. Despite this loss, his legacy lives on through the postcards and photographs he created, which continue to offer a glimpse into the past.
The exhibit features an extensive selection of vintage postcards from Woodfield’s collection, generously donated by filmographer Tom Olsen Jr. of Anchor Productions. Alongside these postcards, visitors can view a rare selection of original black-and-white photographs, carefully hand-colorized and framed by Woodfield’s wife, Irta, bringing a new dimension to these historical images.
“We’re thrilled to share this visual journey through time,” said Liz Scott, Executive Director at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum. “Postcards were an essential part of early tourism and communication, and Frank Woodfield’s work beautifully captures the changing landscapes and landmarks of our region.”
Picturing the Past offers a unique opportunity to experience the artistry and storytelling of vintage postcards, providing a window into the everyday life and scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest a century ago. Admission to the museum is always free, though donations are greatly appreciated to help support exhibits and programming.
The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum would like to extend a special thank you to Tom Olsen Jr. of Anchor Productions for his generous donation of the postcards and for loaning the framed photographs that make this exhibit possible.
Sponsored by:

 

 

Temporary Art Exhibit:

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is excited to announce Fish, an inspiring new art exhibit by Indigenous artist Zoe “Fish” Swain, on display on the entryway wall of the museum. This stunning showcase highlights Zoe’s deep connection to water, life, and the natural world, bringing her love for aquatic life to vivid life on canvas.

Zoe’s artistic journey is shaped by her experiences growing up along the Columbia River and her childhood trips to Vancouver Island, BC, where her father taught her the art of fishing. Through these experiences, she developed a deep respect for the “scaly friends” she encountered, and this affection translates into each piece she creates. With Fish, Zoe aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving both fresh and saltwater ecosystems to ensure that fish and other aquatic life flourish for generations to come.

Zoe “Fish” Swain, who also serves as the Outreach Specialist at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum, resides in Cannon Beach with her husband and daughter, both fellow artists, and their Chihuahua, Mabel. Her family’s artistic energy infuses her work, creating a vibrant collection that reflects her passion for conservation and the beauty of the natural world.

Join us for this unique exhibition that blends cultural heritage with an urgent call for environmental stewardship.