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EXHIBITS
 Permanent
Interpretive Exhibit
-- Cannon Beach, A Place by the Sea: The
History Center, which opened in March 1999, features the permanent
exhibit, " Cannon Beach: A Place by
the
Sea" based on the book by the same name authored by Terence
O'Donnell. The exhibit is rich in visual material, telling the story
about what attracted people to Cannon Beach throughout time. Drawing from the archives of CBHS, photos reveal the
town's past and the arduous journey it was to get here. 
The exhibit's first
panel describes the Tillamook Indians who originally occupied the land
that is called Cannon Beach, and chronicles the tragic impact foreign
diseases had on them prior to white settlement of the area. Next,
a huge photo mural greets the visitors from Capt. Clark's perspective
on Tillamook Head, where he said in his journal, "From this point I beheld the grandest and most
pleasing prospects which my eyes ever surveyed". Early homesteading in Cannon Beach and the building of
the Tillamook Rock lighthouse feature next. Another large photo
mural describes the role logging played in the area's
history.
The second phase of the
exhibit focuses on the expansion of tourism and recreation in
Cannon Beach. Featured are the Warren Hotel, the Cannon Beach Hotel,
and the Wave Crest Hotel. One panel also describes the hard times faced
by Cannon Beach residents during the Great Depression and in the days
of World War II, when the citizens of Cannon Beach were on alert for
possible attack. The exhibit's final large panel chronicles
Cannon Beach from the post-war era to the present.
All in all, the view
from Tillamook Head, the rising sentinels of Haystack Rock and the
Needles, and the seven miles of "singing sands" and sparkling surf are
like magnets drawing people back year after year to Cannon Beach, a
special "place by the sea."
CANNON BEACH HISTORY CENTER INSTALLS AUDIO SPANISH TRANSLATION OF PERMANENT EXHIBIT
The permanent exhibit at the Cannon Beach History Center is now available in Spanish. Visitors to the museum can hear the text of the exhibit read in Spanish, on “hear-sets” located at each major display panel around the museum. Financial support for the Cannon Beach History Center’s Audio Spanish Translation Project was provided by the Bloomfield Family Foundation, Oregon Council for the Humanities, and the City of Cannon Beach. Several Cannon Beach volunteers also contributed translation, recording, and installation services.
CANNON BEACH HISTORY CENTER HAS AN HISTORIC MUSIC SERIES: ACOUSTIC FOLK!
The Cannon Beach History Center is pleased to offer a new historic music series: Acoustic Folk!, featuring a concert the last Saturday of every month. Series shows are:
- Feb 23 Kathryn Claire & Matthew Macdonald (folk duo, some Scottish music)
- March 29 String of Pearls duo (swing/jazz)
- April 26 Kinzel & Hyde (blues duo; phenomenal harmonica!)
- The Cannon Beach Film Fest, May 31-June 1, will replace our May concert
- June 28 Steve Cheseborough (renowned blues artist)
All concerts at the Cannon Beach History Center (corner of Spruce & Sunset) from 7:30-9:30 PM; Tickets at the door, $5/adults, $2/kids.
The History Center's lovely new classroom serves as a venue for the concerts, which run from 7:30-9:30 pm. Gourmet coffee is provided and all ages are welcome! Suggested donations of $5 per person ($2 per child) will be accepted at the door. Come out and enjoy some musical fun from days gone by!
THE HISTORY CENTER
The History Center building is the heart of the Historical Society,
housing the Society's collections, exhibits, and gift shop. As you
enter the south main entrance to the Cannon Beach History Center you
will see the Original Cannon from which Cannon Beach derives its name. Read
the story behind the cannon by putting your mouse over this text.
The History Center also features a replica of the famous Tillamook Rock
Lighthouse, which was erected in 1880.Tillamook Rock Light
stands as a symbol of man's relentless fight against the cruelties of
the sea. No one can say how many ships from the nations of the world
were guided by the Tillamook Rock's faithful beams of light during its
heyday. To quote James A. Gibbs, author of the book Tillamook Light,
"Of all the lighthouses that dot the shores of the
world, few can match the heroic setting of Tillamook Rock, or the
turbulent and colorful history of its lighthouse."
Tillamook Light brings back memories for those who recall when the
lighthouse was a special landmark and an important part of their life.
Another book of interest is Terrible Tilly by Bert &
Margie Webber. John Conway, a Portland attorney and a
long-time Arch Cape property owner who kept a detailed diary from 1937
to 1968, memorialized the extinguishing of the Tillamook Rock
Light. A quote from his diary recorded in the Arch Cape Chronicles reads:
"The old beachcomber, John Conway, retires early. However, he arises
again at 11:15 p.m. to take a peek at the extinquishing of the light of
the Tillamook Lighthouse, which turned off its marine navigation light
at 12.01 A. M. sharp August 31,1957. Very sad, like losing an old
friend of many years."
ORAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Historical Society has a broad range of collections ranging from photos and artifacts to audio and video tapes by many people who reflect bakc in time on their experiences in the early years of Cannon Beach. Members and visitors are encouraged to visit the History Center and listen to these oral hitories to learn more about the people and history of thea rea. to read an excerpt from an oral history, visit the Resources page.
HISTORICAL PLAQUE PROGRAM
CBHS has recognized 25 commercial or organizational structures of historical significance within Cannon Beach by marking them with historical plaques. Residential and business owners of historical properties are welcome to apply for a recognition plaque honoring the history of their building. Follow these links for more information on the program:
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