The Garibaldi Maritime Museum opened its doors to the public in 2004 through the efforts of many volunteers and the museum’s chief contributor, Charles M. Parkin Jr.

Parkin built the museum to preserve the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The museum focuses on the historic voyages of Robert Gray along the Oregon coast and the Golden Age of Sailing during the 18th century.

The museum is a non-profit organization that is managed by a board of directors.