Maritime museum offers kids' camps, more

The Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport is offering camps for kids this summer. And, for adults, a wine and food festival will be held on the museum grounds.

While many visitors think of Texas as being made from hide and horn, the Lone Star State has a rich history of seafaring also, and the Texas Maritime Museum celebrates that history.

Displays at the museum feature Texas' maritime heritage from the early days of French and Spanish exploration to the modern search for offshore oil and gas. Changing exhibits as well as interactive displays depict everything from coastal paddle wheelers to fishing lures.

SEA Camp, a free camp for Aransas County children, throughout June and into July. The H2Odyssey paid camp is preparing for its second year.

Adults will enjoy the 13th annual Rockport Festival of Wine and Food, held on the museum's grounds Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-24.

More information on the educational programs is available by contacting Jennifer Rogers, educator at the museum, toll free at (866) 729-1271.

Among regular features of the museum is the story of Rene Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle. The La Salle Odyssey tells the story of the explorer's ill-fated expedition that landed on the Texas coast in 1684. It has been only in recent years that archeologists have uncovered the remains of two of the ships that were part of the French attempt to colonize Texas.

This exhibit uses artifacts recovered from La Salle's flagship, La Belle, to chronicle the life of the crew aboard ship. From block and tackle to navigational tools, the artifacts on display help paint a picture of the doomed expedition.

Permanent displays at the museum include one of fishing tackle, one on the Texas Navy, a history of offshore oil exploration and an art exhibit of lighthouses painted by Harold Phenix.

The museum is at 1202 Navigation Circle, next to the city harbor. It's about a 30-minute drive from Port Aransas.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens; $2 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and younger.

Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1- 4 p.m. Sunday. Phone numbers are (361) 729-1271 or (361) 729-6644, or the museum's tollfree number, (866) 729-2469 (729-AHOY).