Columbia River Maritime Museum Offers Free Admission for Federal Employees During Shutdown - Astoria, Oregon Coast

Published 10/01/25 at 4:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) - After this morning's government shutdown on a national level, many things are going to change abruptly for some families – especially those directly employed by civic entities. One north Oregon coast attraction is hoping to lend a little assistance.

In response to the furloughs and unexpected time off, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is extending a gesture of support to those most directly impacted. Effective immediately, the museum is offering free admission to all Federal employees - both civilian and active duty military - and their immediate families for the duration of the shutdown.

Museum officials say the offer is intended to provide a moment of relief and connection for families facing financial uncertainty and the stress of missed paychecks. It's going to be a tense time for many.

Eligible visitors need only present a valid Federal employment ID at the front desk. The offer does not apply to Federal or military retirees, whose annuity payments continue during the shutdown.

“The Museum is proud to stand with those in our community directly impacted by the shutdown,” said Bruce Jones, Executive Director. “We hope that a visit to the Museum can provide a moment of respite, connection, and discovery during this difficult time.”

Located on Marine Drive in Astoria, the Columbia River Maritime Museum features a wide range of exhibits that explore the region’s dramatic maritime history, including historic vessels, nautical artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the legacy of the Columbia River and Pacific Northwest.

Some include a cannon that helped get Cannon Beach get its name and parts of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.

Earlier this year, the museum broke ground on its long-anticipated Mariners Hall expansion project. The $31.5 million development will add a two-story, 24,500-square-foot structure adjacent to the existing facility, dramatically increasing exhibition space and enhancing the preservation of maritime heritage from a part of the Oregon coast and Washington coast that is known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Among the centerpiece vessels slated for display are the Merrimac, a 45-foot wooden yacht built in 1938 by Astoria Marine Construction Co.; the Duke, a 1902 salmon tender crafted by Wilson Bros. of Astoria; and the Triumph II, a 52-foot motor lifeboat that served local fishermen for more than six decades at Point Adams and Cape Disappointment.

For more information on current exhibits and visitor guidelines, go to www.crmm.org

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