GAribaldi Cultural Heritage initiative

What else does GCHI do?  Learn about, share and preserve the maritime culture of Tillamook Bay through our community programs! Our communities, local history, and culture are diverse - and so are our programs. 

GCHI partners with local school districts and non-profit organizations to offer free educational and recreational experiences such as guided hikes, marine harvest clinics/chef demos, film and photography exhibits, as well as field trips at the Boathouse and surrounding areas. These events are all volunteer organized! Contact us for more information or to get involved.

Pier's End Close up ardent camper.jpg

Priority 1: Historic Preservation

Inspiring historic preservation and engagement with cultural heritage sites in the Greater Garibaldi Area.

Programs:

#SAVETHEBOATHOUSE:  

GCHI’s main function is to spearhead efforts to rehabilitate one of Oregon’s unique maritime heritage landmarks, the Historic 1936 US Coast Guard Boathouse on Tillamook Bay - returning it to an active space that serves the community through arts, culture and education. 

 TILLAMOOK BAY HERITAGE ROUTE:

A partnership with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association and Visit Tillamook Coast will create an interactive way for explorers and visitors to learn about the past and current culture of our working waterfront.

Free, downloadable map will help visitors access information on unique heritage and outdoor recreation sites and experiences throughout the Tillamook Bay region.

For a sneak peak, check out Outdoor Project’s feature story:

https://www.outdoorproject.com/travel/tillamook-bay-heritage-route

Bay Ocean Spit Explore Nature.jpg

Priority 2: CULTural Exploration

Inspire and expand access to recreational opportunities and educational experiences in and around Tillamook Bay.

Programs:

EXPLORE NATURE

Free guided hikes and more!  This partnership covers guided experiences both on and off the waters of Tillamook Bay - allowing you to get an insider’s look at the natural and cultural features of our local area. 2019-20 Programming includes:

  • Bay Ocean Spit Hike (co-hosted with WEBS/Friends of Netarts Bay) - Explore the history of the 1907 luxury resort town that fell into the sea, and learn about coastal dunes structure and native plants - July & October 2019

  • Boathouse Clamming Clinic & Chef Demo - Hunt for native clams on the adjacent clam flats with the experts, then return to the Historic Boathouse for a quick lesson on local commercial harvest and a dynamic culinary demonstration on how to clean and transform these delicious bivalves into a hearty feast. Returns May 2020

Visit the Explore Nature website for more information and links to sign up:

https://www.explorenaturetillamookcoast.com

KAYAKS FROM SCRATCH: BUILDING BOATS AND COMMUNITY AT THE HISTORIC BOUTHOUSE

Ongoing community project to build a fleet of boats to serve the Boathouse.  Boatbuilding sessions were held in October 2017 - April 2018:  a total of 5 Pygmy wooden kayaks were built by volunteers from the community, at the historic Boathouse.  Participants learned basic stich-and-glue boatbuilding techniques. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops!

The boats will be used in future water tours, safety classes and boat maintenance demonstrations.

K-12 EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE BOATHOUSE:

Extending science and history lessons beyond the traditional classroom; Clair Thomas, Tillamook’s local Natural Resources Education Coordinator, has designed and leads field experiences for several age groups at the Pier and Boathouse. Special thanks to Tillamook School District 9 and the Tillamook Education Foundation for helping equip the Boathouse to make this possible.

  • First Grade Fish & Oceans

  • Fourth Grade Alternative Energy

  • High School Robotics and Science Clubs

  • Tillamook County Science Fair Expo

Contact us for more information!

Pier's End Aerial.jpg

Priority 3: Community Resilience

Supporting ongoing community and economic revitalization efforts, especially those which promote the rich past and present culture of Tillamook Coast’s maritime and natural resource heritage. 

Programs:

SHOP AT THE DOCKS - GARIBALDI

GCHI has partnered with Oregon SeaGrant and Explore Nature to help share our local commercial fishing heritage with you. This is a vital part of Garibaldi’s economy, history and life as an authentic fishing village.

At Shop at the Dock tours, people learn where to find local seafood, what's in season, how it's caught, if it's sustainable, and how to purchase high-quality seafood - for current tour schedule visit:

https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/outreach-and-engagement/shop-dock

LIVING BOATHOUSE GALLERY EXHIBITS: Supporting Local Artists and Culture

Past activities have included a Boathouse photographer tour and exhibit (2018: Living Boathouse), Gyotaku art workshops (lead by Duncan Berry, Fishpeople/ByLandBySeaByAir), and the current rotating gallery exhibit (Summer 2019 - monthly rotation of local artists)

Visit us this summer 2019! Boathouse is open weekends Memorial Day - Labor Day, 12-4pm.

Suggested donation (helps fund preservation efforts): $5