Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Oregon Coast Shipwrecks Exhibit Starts Off with Mystery in Cannon Beach

Published 10/14/2018 at 5:24 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

Oregon Coast Shipwrecks Exhibit Starts Off with Mystery in Cannon Beach

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) - Oregon coast shipwrecks are the center of an upcoming exhibit at the Cannon Beach History Center and Museum, and it kicks off this in-depth look with a special event on November 8. Then another event a day later digs into Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. On Saturday, November 10, the museum hosts a trivia night. (Photo above: Wreck of the Peter Iredale in its first days on the beach, courtesy Cannon Beach History Center & Museum).

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter

The new exhibit, “Oregon Coast Shipwrecks,” opens on Thursday, November 8 with a presentation from lead beeswax wreck investigator Scott Williams. His presentation will take place at 4 p.m.

Williams is a maritime archaeologist who has been looking into the famed “beeswax ship” of Manzanita, apparently stranded ashore sometime in the 1700s, perhaps a little later. As Principal Investigator for the Beeswax Wreck Project, Williams will present the story of the wreck and the research to identify which ship it was and where the wreck is located.

Since the earliest days of American exploration and settlement on the Oregon coast, stories have been told of an ancient shipwreck exposed on the Nehalem Spit. The wreck, laden with Chinese porcelain and large beeswax blocks and candles, predated American settlement of the area and was a mystery to the first settlers. For a couple of centuries, the puzzling pieces landed on the beaches around the Manzanita area. It finally ceased happening only in the last two decades.

In the early days, as chunks of beeswax began washing up on shore, locals and natives alike were well aware a wreck had occurred. There were tales of men walking out of the water in full Spanish conquistador armor, even stories of cannibalism, but the truth has evaded archaeologists and historians for years.

Where had the vessel come from, and where was it going? Why were they carrying such large amounts of beeswax, and why did blocks of the stuff have strange symbols and carved into them? For centuries it been unclear what ship and maybe even when, but new archaeological evidence has come to light just in the last year. Recent archaeological and historical research appears to confirm that the Beeswax Wreck was a Spanish galleon from Manila, lost on the Oregon coast on its voyage to Mexico.

The museum said this will be a very popular lecture, so they urge attendees to arrive early, get a cup of coffee or tea and grab a seat. Seating is limited. The doors will close at 4:15 p.m.

Historic events continue with a presentation from local author Brian Ratty on the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse on Friday, November 9 at 4 p.m. On Saturday, November 10, the museum hosts a fun trivia event.

“The clincher is, you should attend the November 8 and 9 lectures if you can because many of the questions will relate to topics covered during the lectures,” said the museum in a press release.

“Shipwrecks of the Oregon Coast” runs through November of 2019 after its opening next month.

The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is open Wednesday through Monday 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., closed on Tuesday. The museum is also home to a replica longhouse, tide pool exhibit and the cannon that Cannon Beach is named for. For more information visit www.cbhistory.org. 1387 S. Spruce (corner of Sunset and Spruce) in Cannon Beach. 503-436-9301. Lodging in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Maps and Virtual Tours

Oregon Coast Lodging

 


Above: Wreck of the Mimi in 1913, near Manzanita - courtesy Cannon Beach History Museum



More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

 



Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Whale Watch Week May Bring More Whales for Variety of Reasons
Spring Whale Watch Week to the region March 23 - 31. Newport events, Lincoln City events, Pacific City events, Rockaway Beach events, events, Seaside events, Astoria events, south coast events, Florence events
The 'Orphan' of Neskowin on N. Oregon Coast
Underneath that looming presence of Cascade Head an ancient geology tale
Razor Clamming Reopens on Central Oregon Coast: Lincoln City to Seal Rock
Open from Lincoln City down to Seal Rock. Lincoln City events, Newport events. Marine sciences
Wondrous Odd Science of Oregon Coast: Glowing, Singing, Flashing
Wondrous Odd Science of Oregon Coast: Glowing, Singing, Flashing. Weather
Coos Bay Summer Fests: UTV's, Tacos, Margaritas and Classical on S. Oregon Coast
Summer in Coos Bay means crazy, cool and cultured. Coos Bay events
Coffee 'n Treats for Trash: N. Oregon Coast Town Makes Picking Up Litter Yummy
Seaside gives you coffee and / or treats to fill bags with beach litter. Seaside events
Spring Cleanup in April Needs People - Including Oregon Coast
Between April 13 and April 22. Newport events, Lincoln City events, Pacific City events, Rockaway Beach events, events, Seaside events, Astoria events, south coast events
Washington / Oregon Coast Headed for Sunny, Warm Stretch - Portland Mid 70s
Some parts of the coast may reach 70. Weather

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details