It’s History and Hops: Public Baths to Aquarium. In August 1924 the Seaside Baths Natatorium – a salt water bath house and swimming pool – opened for business. By 1937 it had morphed into the Seaside Aquarium which is now the oldest privately-owned aquarium on the West Coast. Keith Chandler, the aquarium’s general manager, will share tales of its 94-year storied past – from construction through conversion and development into a well-regarded marine life showcase. Those attending Seaside Museum’s History & Hops event will meet seal Tubby, Jr. and 25-pound lobster, Victor as well as a cast of other marine characters.

The aquarium has been part of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network since 1990. As a partner with the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, the aquarium is a drop-off center for injured animals that are then transported by staff to the rehabilitation center in Astoria.

History & Hops is a series of local history discussions hosted by the Seaside Museum on the last Thursday of each month, September through May, at Seaside Brewing Co., 861 Broadway.