Museum rigs up something special

Float on over to Newport’s Pacific Maritime Heritage Center for the opening of the new exhibit, “Crafting Boats: A Local History of Boat Building” on Thursday, Oct. 23.

The opening event, which includes free entry, will feature snacks and refreshments and the screening of Two Ebb and Flow documentary films on the respected boat builders George Calkins and Ralph Criteser.

The exhibit explores the craftsmanship and local history of wooden boat building during the pre-fiberglass era. Artifacts and photographs reveal how this trade helped shape Lincoln County’s development. Displays featuring tools of the trade, technical drawings and historic photographs, including Calkins Boat Works, highlight the county’s rich maritime heritage.

The exhibit centers around to-scale models of local vessels which tell the stories of local boat builders through these works of art.

Thursday’s event starts at 4 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. For more information, go to oregoncoasthistory.org or call 541-265-7509.