Thursday, March 18, 2004

Saltmakers take the spotlight in Seaside Museum exhibit

SEASIDE — A major new exhibit opening at the Seaside Museum this week casts a new light on the saltmakers of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery.

The exhibit, “... as Salt is an Objt,” examines the saltmakers’ experience from a scientific perspective, answering questions like “How many BTUs (British thermal units) were needed to produce three and a half bushels of salt?” and from the human perspective, detailing daily life. Extensive quotes from the journals of the explorers are also included.

The exhibit, with life-size mannequins of Lewis and Clark, a salt cairn, a “fire,” sound effects and interactive panels, was created by museum volunteers and professional exhibit designers Barbara Minard and Fred and Lisa Mattfield, who specialize in Lewis and Clark and Pacific Northwest history. Their work can also be seen at Fort Clatsop National Memorial and the Ilwaco (Wash.) Heritage Museum.

The public is welcome to view the new exhibit at an open house and opening celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 18.

Funding for “... as Salt is an Objt” was provided by the National Park Service Challenge Cost Share Program and the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in Oregon/Oregon Heritage Commission. For information, visit the museum’s Web site at www.seasidemuseum.org

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Content © 2004 The Daily Astorian