This month, we will be enjoying the history of Columbia River Lightships presented by Ryen Nielsen. Lightships functioned as floating lighthouses, faithfully guiding mariners through dangerous waters all over the world. The Columbia River Lightship is no exception. It stood as a sentinel out on the Columbia River Bar for decades, weathering the worst conditions our area has to offer, all while keeping its light shining. Come listen to stories of the challenges the Columbia River Lightship, and her crewmembers, faced as they battled to keep sailors safe as they crossed the world’s most dangerous river crossing.

Stories of other lightships in the area will be shared as well.

Ryen Nielsen is an Interpretive Specialist with Washington State Parks and is based out of Cape Disappointment State Park. He grew up in Eastern Oregon but later moved to Wyoming where he got his bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Wyoming. He has always been interested in how nature influences and shapes historical events, so working in the “Graveyard of the Pacific” has only fueled his passion for bringing history to life through storytelling.