If you’re up north in Tillamook, you have another chance to see our traveling exhibit, Float Odyssey, at the main branch of the Tillamook County Library. This fantastic exhibit was curated by former Executive Director Jeff Syrop, and dedicated volunteer Dr. Nick Simpson.
Float Odyssey contains some of our most storied floats with details about their marks, their usage in the fishing industry, where they were made, where they were found, and how they wound up in our collection. In the exhibit you will see the large glass balls many are familiar with, as well as some more peculiar floats used for specialized purposes such as squid fishing.
The exhibit will be on display December through January 31st, 2025 in the entry hall of the Tillamook County Library at 1716 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141.
North Lincoln County Historical Museum (NLCHM) is excited to host 25 Years of Finders Keepers, a new exhibit in collaboration with Explore Lincoln City. Historically, the Oregon coast has been one of the best places to find unique glass fishing floats. The ocean currents would bring the most unusual and unique shapes to our beaches, which would bring visitors from all over to treasure hunt. NLCHM is proud to have one of the largest collections of original glass floats, which have inspired collectors and glass artists for over 100 years.
Once the Japanese fishing industry started replacing their hempen rope with plastic, fewer and fewer floats washed up, until it was nearly impossible to find any in the late 1990s. In 2000, a group of artists and community organizations worked together to celebrate the new millennium and renew the joy of finding floats on the beach. The Finders Keepers program has kept that tradition alive for 25 years and has inspired, supported, and brought together phenomenal glass artists from all over the Pacific Northwest.
25 Years of Finders Keepers will walk visitors through the history and development of the program, show a unique example from each year since 2000, and celebrate the glass art community that has developed around Finders Keepers. The exhibit will be on display on the second floor of NLCHM from November 16th, 2024 to November 15th, 2025. On display will be 25 different floats, original posters from each year, glass making tools and instruments, videos showing the glass making process, interviews and photos of artists that have been involved in the program, as well as photos that have been shared by people who have found these treasures! There will be an opening reception for the exhibit on November 16th, 2024 from 1pm-3pm with refreshments, we look forward to seeing you there!
