The Garibaldi Museum was established for the preservation of the maritime heritage of the
Pacific Northwest through the collection of information pertaining to Captain Robert Gray and his historical vessels, the Lady Washington and the Columbia Rediviva. Captain John Gray, as the commander for an American Trading Expedition on the Pacific Northwest Coast, was known for discovering the Columbia River on May 11, 1972, making him one of the significant people in the new born United States at that time.

The Museum features the sailing world during the 18th century by sharing the story of Captain Robert Gray as well as the trade with Native Americans of the Pacific. Visitors to the museum will be able to see the replicas of the Columbia and Lady Washington, an 8-foot tall reproduction of the figurehead of the Columbia, a half model of the Columbia that illustrates how it was provisioned for the long voyage, reproductions of the uniform or clothing that the seafarers wore, and musical instruments.

The history of Garibaldi is showed on one wing through pictures and turn-of-the-century artifacts.