The Garibaldi Museum is nestled between the base of Captain Robert Gray Mountain and the Tillamook Bay in Garibaldi, Oregon. The museum is chartered to preserve the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest by collecting information concerning Captain Robert Gray and Captain Robert Gray’s historical vessels, the Lady Washington and the Columbia Rediviva.
The museum displays the 18th century sailing world by telling the story of Captain Robert Gray and the trade with native Americans of the Pacific Northwest.
Among the museum displays are models of the Columbia and Lady Washington, an eight foot tall reproduction of the Columbia’s figurehead, a half model of the Columbia showing how the ship was provisioned for the long voyage, as well as reproductions of the clothing of the seafarers and musical instruments.
One wing features the history of the City of Garibaldi, displaying pictures and artifacts from the turn of the century.
Visitors of all ages will find interest in the museum. Handicapped accessible and group and children friendly.
About Captain Robert Gray
Captain Robert Gray’s discovery of the Columbia River on May 11, 1792, proved to be highly significant to the new born United States.
In 1803, eleven years after Gray entered the great river of the west on the ship, Columbia Redivivia, the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase from France.
During the Second term of President James Madison, 1813 – 1817, the United States government sought official confirmation of the discoveries and exploration conducted on the Pacific northwest coast by the American trading expedition, commanded by Captain Robert Gray a quarter century before, thereby laying claim to the entire territory drained by the Columbia River – the Oregon Country.
The Columbia Redivivia, was the first American ship to enter the Pacific Ocean; the first American ship to carry Pacific Northwest trade to China; and the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe.
The Museum features interactive exhibits that combine history with cutting-edge technology. While exhibits are geared to all ages, children are encouraged to have hands-on activities with most exhibits and demonstrations. Some of the friendly exhibits includes cooperage (wood buckets) puzzle, ship construction puzzle, 18th century toys and children attire and clothing of the ordinary seaman and captain.
Staff dressed in 18th century maritime attire help young visitors with the cooper’s bucket puzzle and the ship puzzle.
A table with examples of 18th century foods and cutlery is fascinating to all ages. Tea bricks, hard tack and tobacco twist are readily available for all to handle.
Oregon State University foreign exchange students enjoyed the cooperage puzzle and the 18th century maritime attire, too.
Oregon State University foreign exchange students gather for a group photo at the museum.
A most impressive exhibit for young and older visitors is the three foot half model of the Columbia, showing how the ship was provisioned for the three year journey. This exhibit was provided to us by Medi in Longview.
Handicapped accessible and group and children friendly.