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Resolution recognizes Museum's official desig nation anniversary
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| wenty years ago the Texas Maritime Museum was designated the official State Maritime Museum of Texas. On this historic anniversary, State Rep. Juan Garcia, second from right, delivered House Concurrent Resolution No. 170 which honors the Museum on the occasion of its anniversary. Pictured with the 20-year-old document proclaiming the Museum’s state status are, from left, Susie Bracht-Black; Martha Christian, the widow of Bill Christian who came up with the dream of having a maritime museum in Rockport; Museum Executive Director Kathy Roberts-Douglass; Garcia; and Sally Reynolds, president of the Museum’s board of trustees. Photo by MIKE PROBST |
Members of the Texas Maritime Museum were reminded Friday it is still the official State Maritime Museum of Texas. That designation was originally bestowed on the fledgling organization 20 years ago.
At the official opening of the Museum's newest exhibit, Scaling the Seven Seas, State Rep. Juan Garcia read House Concurrent Resolution No. 170 which he sponsored in the House and Sen. Glenn Hegar carried in the Senate (see resolution at end of story). That resolution officially reestablishes the museum's designation.
After the presentation of the resolution, those present then viewed the exhibit which features ship models from the Museum's collection as well as public entries. An overview about ship modeling throughout history provides visitors with an education into the reasoning, design, and construction methods of these intricate works of art.
Several of the museum's models feature the story about the real ship which the model portrays. One such example is the USS Harriet Lane, a side-wheeler which started life as a Revenue Cutter in 1857. She would then be involved with the Union blockade during the Civil War before being captured during the Battle of Galveston.
Museum Curator Phil Barnes said he noticed the Museum had several beautiful ship models in the library which visitors never seemed to view. He believes this exhibit will be an interesting way to introduce maritime history and the hobby of scale modeling at the same time.
On Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. an adult and one child can participate in Make It-Take It Day for only $10. Patrons go to the Museum where the child will paint his or her own rubber band-powered wooden steamboat. The maker of the best model will receive a ship model kit.
“The main reason for this exhibit is to excite young and old alike about these beautiful works of art,” said Barnes.
The curator thanked volunteers Hugh Jamieson, Van Hovanesian, as well as Bull Walker and members of his family for making the new exhibit possible.
Scaling the Seven Seas will be on display through Feb. 29, 2008.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 170
WHEREAS, The Texas Maritime Museum is celebrating a proud milestone in 2007 when it marks the 20th anniversary of its designation as the official State Maritime Museum of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Situated next to the harbor in Rockport, the museum was created to foster public interest in and understanding of the rich maritime history of this state; that epic begins with the Native Americans who made their home on the Texas coast and includes the story of the French explorer LaSalle, who established Fort St. Louis near Lavaca Bay after missing his planned destination, the Mississippi River; roughly a century and a half later, during the Mexican war, Zachary Taylor launched several campaigns from the Texas coast, and Palmito Creek, near Brownsville, witnessed the last battle of the Civil War; during the 19th century, thousands of settlers entered Texas by way of the coast, and today the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, whose Texas section stretches for 426 miles, plays a major role in the economy of both Texas and the nation; and
WHEREAS, In fulfilling its mission, the Texas Maritime Museum focuses on four broad areas: the exploration and settlement of the Texas Gulf Coast; the history and development of Texas seaports, maritime communities, and maritime commerce; the history of the Texas seafood and fishing industry; and the history and technology of offshore petroleum production and transportation; and
WHEREAS, Since opening its doors to the public on July 1, 1989, the museum has captured the interest of countless visitors with its wide-ranging exhibits, interactive displays, and education programming; highlights include a permanent exhibit related to one of the most important shipwreck excavations in North America, that of La Salle's flagship the Belle, which sank in Matagorda Bay in 1686; also featured are historic maritime photographs and fishing equipment, a life-size re-creation of the bridge of a merchant ship, and a survival capsule such as offshore oil rig personnel would use in case of an emergency; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Maritime Museum pursues an active collecting program and currently houses more than 2,000 objects most of which are on display and all of which are catalogued in a searchable computer database; in 2003, the museum opened a new addition, which has increased its exhibit space and which also serves as a functioning lighthouse; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding museum received accreditation from the American Association of Museums in 2005, becoming the 38th institution in Texas to be so recognized; and
WHEREAS, Through their efforts to preserve a heritage of immeasurable importance to the Lone Star State, the directors, staff, and volunteers of the Texas Maritime Museum are performing a significant public service, and their exceptional achievements are indeed to be commended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor the Texas Maritime Museum on the occasion of its 20th anniversary as the official State Maritime Museum of Texas and extend to all associated with that institution sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas Maritime Museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
At the official opening of the Museum's newest exhibit, Scaling the Seven Seas, State Rep. Juan Garcia read House Concurrent Resolution No. 170 which he sponsored in the House and Sen. Glenn Hegar carried in the Senate (see resolution at end of story). That resolution officially reestablishes the museum's designation.
After the presentation of the resolution, those present then viewed the exhibit which features ship models from the Museum's collection as well as public entries. An overview about ship modeling throughout history provides visitors with an education into the reasoning, design, and construction methods of these intricate works of art.
Several of the museum's models feature the story about the real ship which the model portrays. One such example is the USS Harriet Lane, a side-wheeler which started life as a Revenue Cutter in 1857. She would then be involved with the Union blockade during the Civil War before being captured during the Battle of Galveston.
Museum Curator Phil Barnes said he noticed the Museum had several beautiful ship models in the library which visitors never seemed to view. He believes this exhibit will be an interesting way to introduce maritime history and the hobby of scale modeling at the same time.
On Saturday, July 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. an adult and one child can participate in Make It-Take It Day for only $10. Patrons go to the Museum where the child will paint his or her own rubber band-powered wooden steamboat. The maker of the best model will receive a ship model kit.
“The main reason for this exhibit is to excite young and old alike about these beautiful works of art,” said Barnes.
The curator thanked volunteers Hugh Jamieson, Van Hovanesian, as well as Bull Walker and members of his family for making the new exhibit possible.
Scaling the Seven Seas will be on display through Feb. 29, 2008.
WHEREAS, The Texas Maritime Museum is celebrating a proud milestone in 2007 when it marks the 20th anniversary of its designation as the official State Maritime Museum of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Situated next to the harbor in Rockport, the museum was created to foster public interest in and understanding of the rich maritime history of this state; that epic begins with the Native Americans who made their home on the Texas coast and includes the story of the French explorer LaSalle, who established Fort St. Louis near Lavaca Bay after missing his planned destination, the Mississippi River; roughly a century and a half later, during the Mexican war, Zachary Taylor launched several campaigns from the Texas coast, and Palmito Creek, near Brownsville, witnessed the last battle of the Civil War; during the 19th century, thousands of settlers entered Texas by way of the coast, and today the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, whose Texas section stretches for 426 miles, plays a major role in the economy of both Texas and the nation; and
WHEREAS, In fulfilling its mission, the Texas Maritime Museum focuses on four broad areas: the exploration and settlement of the Texas Gulf Coast; the history and development of Texas seaports, maritime communities, and maritime commerce; the history of the Texas seafood and fishing industry; and the history and technology of offshore petroleum production and transportation; and
WHEREAS, Since opening its doors to the public on July 1, 1989, the museum has captured the interest of countless visitors with its wide-ranging exhibits, interactive displays, and education programming; highlights include a permanent exhibit related to one of the most important shipwreck excavations in North America, that of La Salle's flagship the Belle, which sank in Matagorda Bay in 1686; also featured are historic maritime photographs and fishing equipment, a life-size re-creation of the bridge of a merchant ship, and a survival capsule such as offshore oil rig personnel would use in case of an emergency; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Maritime Museum pursues an active collecting program and currently houses more than 2,000 objects most of which are on display and all of which are catalogued in a searchable computer database; in 2003, the museum opened a new addition, which has increased its exhibit space and which also serves as a functioning lighthouse; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding museum received accreditation from the American Association of Museums in 2005, becoming the 38th institution in Texas to be so recognized; and
WHEREAS, Through their efforts to preserve a heritage of immeasurable importance to the Lone Star State, the directors, staff, and volunteers of the Texas Maritime Museum are performing a significant public service, and their exceptional achievements are indeed to be commended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor the Texas Maritime Museum on the occasion of its 20th anniversary as the official State Maritime Museum of Texas and extend to all associated with that institution sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Texas Maritime Museum as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.
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