November 2010

The Museum of the Gulf Coast combines conventional and unconventional methods to tell the exciting story of the Texas / Louisiana Gulf Coast region. Traditional themes are utilized in interpreting the focus of Gulf Coast life before the arrival of man, the role of Native Americans, European contact, Hispanic legacy, the trauma of Civil War, economic and cultural growth, and the integration of the Gulf Coast region into the larger national and international community.

The Museum of the Gulf Coast houses two floors of dynamic permanent exhibits that depict the history and culture of the Gulf Coast region of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Exhibits are diverse and feature something for everyone. Subjects range from natural history and history to fine and decorative art and popular culture including a Music Hall of Fame and Sports Legends Gallery.

The HeritageFarmsteadMuseum offers a four acre complex with row crops, gardens, a windmill, and a handsome 1891 Victorian farmhouse with 12 original outbuildings.

The historic Square House, built of lumber hauled from Dodge City in the 1880's, is just one of 21 buildings, galleries, outdoor dioramas, and large outdoor artifacts that make up the Square House Museum complex. Case exhibits and full-sized dioramas tell the story of the Texas Panhandle and its people, from mammoth hunters 12,000 years ago, through the Indian Wars, cattle ranches, and the coming of the railroad in the 19th century, to the oil boom of the 1920s and the region's role in the space program of today. A wildlife gallery and two art galleries add other dimensions to the history.

A creation of the Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Deep Quest was designed for a number of research missions that were too far underwater for other submersibles to embark on. Its other notable dives include the discovery of a downed WWII-era F6F Hellcat fighter plane off the coast of San Diego in 1970. It sits on the grounds of the Naval Undersea Museum.

The Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, part of the Johnstown Discovery Network, is a community center that contains several attractions: the "America: Through Immigrant Eyes" exhibit; the Johnstown Children's Museum; the Iron & Steel Gallery; and two additional galleries. It also houses the Galliker's Cafe and the 4th Floor Ethnic Social Club. The HDC is operated by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA).

The museum's 25,000 square feet of exhibit space incorporate a display about submarines in the Pacific during World War II, as well as a recreated submarine control room with a fully functional periscope. The museum grounds contain two submersibles, including the RV Deep Quest research vessel, and part of a sealab.

The Sophienburg Museum contains artifacts and displays of early life in New Braunfels, with particular focus on its German pioneers.

The Museum relates local history through the display of aritfacts and displays of early life in New Braunfels. Visit the Sophienburg Museum and take a delightful trip back to the mid 1800's when New Braunfels was founded by Prince Carl of Solms Braunfels. Hundreds of artifacts and exhibits help transport the visitor to a much different time when hardships dealt with nature and overcoming the elements.

The campus of Stephen F. Austin State University is home to a fort, and not just any fort. A fort that was a trading post, private home, church, jail, and saloon - but never a fort. A fort that was built three times, and a fort that was torn down by men to be re-erected by women. The museum puts special emphasis on the Spanish Mission Tejas and ending with the overthrow of the Mexican government in 1836 by Texas revolutionists.

Located in the former Newport Asylum for the Poor, a National Historic Landmark, the Museum's themes are the history of naval warfare, particularly as studied at the College, and the naval heritage of Narragansett Bay—a tale that begins with the nation's colonial roots. Its collection consists of items relating to these subjects that are perceived to be of value to scholarship, and it forms the core for exhibits throughout the College and for educational outreach projects.

Besides permanent exhibits on the College, the genesis of the Navy in the region, and the evolution of permanent naval installations from the late nineteenth century to the present, the Museum features short-term special exhibits relating to College curriculum and to current naval-related topics. In general, Museum exhibits identify milestones in the evolutionary development of war at sea; explain the significance of the sea as a factor in the formulation and the attainment of national policy objectives; describe the character, educational philosophy, and mission of the College; and chronicle the eventful relationship of the U.S. Navy with Narragansett Bay and its people.

The 7,000 sq. ft. Heard-Craig House is a masterpiece that was painstakingly restored in 1999-2000 to reflect the grace and charm of a by-gone era. Tours, special events, teas and lectures raise funding to continue the Heard-Craig legacy and provide guests with a captivating visit to another age.