Exhibit Opening Reception and Glass Float Identification Day
Float Odyssey is a travelling exhibit by the North Lincoln County Historical Museum (NLCHM). It was curated by then Director, Jeff Syrop (now Executive Director of the Lincoln County Historical Society) and Dr. Nick Simpson. This exhibit showcases beautiful glass fishing floats and their stories. Odysseys are described as long and adventurous journeys. We couldn’t think of a better word to describe the epic voyages that the fishing floats in this exhibit have endured! After being used and lost at sea by fishermen, these floats were caught in the circular Pacific currents for decades until large storms forced them ashore. This exhibit follows extraordinary float odysseys, highlighting their place of origin, their use in the fishing industry, where and when they were found, and how they wound up in the NLCHM collection. Many of these floats originate from Japan but also include experimental American-made floats and more. Learn all about glass fishing floats through the stories selected for this exhibit. The Lincoln County Historical Society will also include spectacular floats from their own collection, including repurposed WW2 air tank floats used in soupfin shark fishing.
We will also have a Glass Float Identification Day in conjunction with the exhibit opening. Float expert and exhibit co-curator, Dr. Nick Simpson, and fellow float expert, Ken Busse, will be here to answer questions and to help identify floats. Bring in that ol’ glass float you have hanging in your garage or from a tree in your yard to learn its history from experts. They will be at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center on Saturday, February 8th, from 12pm-3pm. This opening reception is free to the public and there will be light refreshments.