Maritime Museum offers history presentations in January

Coast Weekend: Maritime Museum offers history presentations in January
Astoria, Oregon -- Do you have a passionate interest in maritime history? Are you looking for ways to share your enthusiasm about the subject with others? Take an eight-week class titled "Past to Present: Columbia River History," offered this winter at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, to learn more about the region. The Museum is recruiting new volunteers who are interested in sharing the rich maritime history of the area with visitors. These classes are designed specifically with new volunteers in mind, but they also invite community members to attend.

The course is scheduled to meet from 9:45 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in the Kern Room beginning Tuesday, Jan. 11. Utilizing the collections and exhibits of the Museum, the course will cover fascinating maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. Local knowledge experts will speak on a variety of topics regarding the rich maritime history of this region. Sir Francis Drake, archaeology, the Port of Astoria and Columbia River Pilots are just a few of the many topics that will be explored.

People interested in learning how to lead tours through the Museum will have the opportunity to sign up for additional training. New volunteers will become actively involved in each session, gaining knowledge in ways people learn, making information relevant to visitors, reading artifacts and creating themes. Trainees will continue their education through enrichment classes, field trips and research projects.

Enrolling in "Past to Present" is an excellent way for someone to become more familiar with the Museum as a historical resource and is recommended for anyone interested in volunteering at the Museum. These sessions are free of charge but registration is required. People interested in attending the classes should register with Jackie Welborn, Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 325-2323 no later than Jan. 7.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located at 1792 Marine Drive. For more information, log on to www.crmm.org