CRMM presents History of Whaling and Maritime Tattoos

Mark your calendars for the last Friday of every month when Rainier is visited by representatives of Astoria’s Columbia River Maritime Museum (CRMM) for educational sessions at the Rainier Riverfront Center (48 W. 7th Street). The events are free and open to the public and start at 1 p.m. The presentations typically include lectures with pictures and sometimes artifacts not on display at the museum.

The Friday, July 25 presentation is on “The History of Whaling.” CRMM Education Director Katy Menne said, “Oftentimes the Columbia River is synonymous with salmon fishing, but in Warrenton, at the mouth of the river, there used to be whaling companies. The presentation will go through the short history of whaling in the area, including how they were processed, tools used, and what they were used for such as whale oil used by light houses.”

A special presentation titled “Maritime Tattoos” will take place Friday, August 8 at 1 p.m. According to CRMM, “from the earliest days of maritime tattooing, sailors have covered themselves in images that symbolized their lives at sea. Designs could represent faraway loved ones, everyday duties and personal triumphs, or the many superstitions that dictated life on board. Educator Julia Triezenberg will outline the history of American traditional maritime tattoos and how their continued popularity connects us to our maritime heritage.”

The Columbia River Maritime Museum offers an extensive collection of seafaring vessels, maritime artifacts, and fine art come to life through exciting and informative exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that include six galleries, the Brix Maritime Hall, and the Lightship Columbia as they interpret the Pacific Northwest’s rich maritime history.

To learn more about Columbia River Maritime Museum, visit crmm.org. For the Rainier Riverfront Center calendar, visit rainierseniors.com/Activities.