The Foundation

Foundation History

The Hanthorn Cannery Foundation was established in 2003. Founding members were some of the managers and their children who began work with the Columbia River Packers Association (CRPA), which later became the Bumble Bee Seafood Corporation. The Hanthorn Cannery began business at this facility in 1875, and the Columbia River Packers Association operated it for much of the 20th century. Bumble Bee Seafoods was founded in Astoria, Oregon and closed its headquarters here in 1981. The Foundation is located in the Historic Hanthorn Cannery, now called Pier 39.

Foundation Mission

The Hanthorn Cannery Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of cannery history, all cannery workers, and the fishing industry livelihood as it was developed from 1875 to the present. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – IRS tax I.D. 45-0539742

Foundation Goals:

Development and maintenance of the Hanthorn Cannery Museum at Pier 39-Astoria. This currently houses hundreds of artifacts and archived documents representing numerous aspects of the industry. The foundation continues to collect artifacts and develop new exhibits. The ultimate goal is to have all historic resources adequately curated and protected, and available for viewing and research.
Development of a Cannery Woman’s Memorial Park on the waterfront. A monument stands here, dedicated to the unsung work force—the women who held most of the cannery jobs and kept the places humming for the better part of a century. The park will also offer naming opportunities on benches, stonework, and other commemorative features.