Capt. Thron Riggs, a retired Columbia River Bar Pilot, will give a book presentation as part of Clatsop County Historical Society's Thursday Night Talk lecture series.

Capt. Thron Riggs spent more than 12 years researching the history and perils of the Columbia River Bar for a new book that provides a detailed account of guiding ships across the dangerous crossing.

Riggs, a retired Columbia River Bar Pilot, will present on the new book, titled “A History of Pilotage on the Columbia River Bar,” at the Fort George Brewery Lovell Showroom at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The author joined the Columbia River Bar Pilots in 1993 with more than 25 years of seagoing experience. He retired after 22 years of service and wrote the bulk of the book in the ensuing years.

“Nothing was written about this issue, save for snippets here and there,” Riggs said, “so I thought it would be an interesting project to capitalize on my curiosity about the job.”

The volume was recently published by the Clatsop County Historical Society. It includes a timeline of pilotage stretching back to the 17th century, as well as stories of early mariners who navigated shifting sandbars, changing currents and unpredictable weather.

“It’s a quality research piece and a very good work, and we are thankful that Thron has given us the opportunity to be the publisher,” said Sam Rascoe, Clatsop County Historical Society’s marketing director.

“We hope people find it interesting from a historical standpoint, to understand why we have pilots on the river and what their contributions to the Northwest have truly been.”

During the Fort George talk, Riggs will discuss the book and its origin story, share some of the history he wrote about and tell anecdotes from his experiences as a bar pilot.

As part of the Thursday Night Talk lecture series, a collaboration between the brewery and Clatsop County Historical Society, seasonal beer, other beverages and food will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the event, and minors are welcome with an accompanying adult. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.