The Museums of Port Isabel is a complex consisting of three diverse facilities, the Port Isabel Historic Museum, the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, and the Point Isabel Lighthouse. All three are within walking distance of each other and are open year around to the public.

PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE
Constructed in 1852, the Point Isabel Lighthouse was built to protect and guide ships through Brazos Santiago Pass and the barrier islands. In 1952, the Lighthouse was opened as a State Park and remains the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf coast open to the public. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage which is on the grounds of the Lighthouse, is open to the public and houses the Chamber of Commerce and the Port Isabel Visitors Center.  There is no admission charge to the Keepers Cottage. Lighthouse tickets can be purchased at the Keepers Cottage or at the Lighthouse. A combination ticket is available. Last ticket sold at 4:30 p.m. or 1/2 hour before closing.

• Summer Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9a – 5p. Friday & Saturday 11a – 8p
• Winter Hours: Daily 9a – 5p

Keepers Cottage Hours (year around): Monday – Friday 9a – 5p. Saturday 10a – 4p. 421 E. Queen Isabella Blvd., Port Isabel. 956/943-2262.

PORT ISABEL HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Port Isabel Historical Museum is a state-of-the-art facility located in the Champion Building. Built in 1899 as a dry goods store and residence, it now houses two exhibit levels, a theater, gift shop and one of the largest collections of Mexican artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War. The facade features the famous ‘fish mural’ painted in 1906 by a local fisherman. Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10a – 4p. 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel. 956/943-7602.

TREASURES OF THE GULF MUSEUM
Treasures of the Gulf Museum spotlights three 1554 Spanish shipwrecks. Meeting their fate just 30 miles north  of Port isabel, they are brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children’s Discovery Lab, Ship theatre and Nautical Gift Shop. Last ticket sold at 3:30 p.m.

• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10a to 4p. 317 E. Railroad Ave., Port Isabel. 956/943-7602

Come join us for the last movie of the summer at the Port Isabel Lighthouse! The Lighthouse Establishment Cinema will present … OLD DOGS.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets or pillows and your family and make yourself at home for this family friendly FREE event! Concessions available. Leashed pets allowed, but you must clean up after them. Parking around the lighthouse and on Railroad Ave. across the street from the Port Isabel Historical Museum. Starts at 9:30 p.m. after South Padre Island’s Fireworks over the Laguna Madre.

	AUGUST 27>>> OLD DOGS Two friends and business partners find their lives turned upside down when strange circumstances lead to them being placed in the care of 7-year-old twins. Rated: PG. 88 minutes (2009)
	OCTOBER 29>>> CORALINE: An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets. Rated: PG. Running Time: 100 minutes (2009)

Sponsored by: SOUTH PADRE BANK, N.A. (understudy), Pirates Landing Restaurant, Museums of Port Isabel, City of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation, Port Isabel Merchants Committee.

“The Champion Family Origins”

The Museums of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation are proud to present its “Telling Our Stories” Series of 2010 on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at 6:00 pm in the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave.

John Champion, a descendant of the Champion family will present “The Champion Family Origins”, the history of the Champion Family’s origins and how they came to live in America. Mr. Champion is a descendant of John Champion who was the brother of famed Charles Champion. Mr. Champion learned a lot from his father, A.A. Champion, who was a local historian and mentor.

In July of 2009, Mr. Champion gave a presentation on the Champion family in honor of the new Champion headstone dedicated at the Point Isabel Cemetery.

The Museums of Port Isabel welcome all visitors and locals to attend this FREE presentation. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

The Museums of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation’s goals are to educate and preserve our local history. With the help from supporters and the public, we can continue to preserve our past for future generations.

For more information Contact Gabriel at (956) 943-7602 or visit www.portisabelmuseums.com.

Come join us at the Port Isabel Lighthouse for a great summer tradition! The Lighthouse Establishment Cinema will present … TWILIGHT- NEW MOON.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets or pillows and your family and make yourself at home for this family friendly FREE event! Concessions available. Leashed pets allowed, but you must clean up after them. Parking around the lighthouse and on Railroad Ave. across the street from the Port Isabel Historical Museum. Starts at 9:30 p.m. after South Padre Island’s Fireworks over the Laguna Madre.

	AUGUST 13>>> TWILIGHT- NEW MOON: After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family… Rated: PG-13. 130 minutes (2009)
	AUGUST 27>>> OLD DOGS Two friends and business partners find their lives turned upside down when strange circumstances lead to them being placed in the care of 7-year-old twins. Rated: PG. 88 minutes (2009)
	OCTOBER 29>>> CORALINE: An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets. Rated: PG. Running Time: 100 minutes (2009)

Sponsored by: SOUTH PADRE BANK, N.A. (understudy), Pirates Landing Restaurant, Museums of Port Isabel, City of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation, Port Isabel Merchants Committee.

Come join us at the Port Isabel Lighthouse for a great summer tradition! The Lighthouse Establishment Cinema will present the fourth movie of the 6th season… BLINDSIDE. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets or pillows and your family and make yourself at home for this family friendly FREE event! Concessions available. Leashed pets allowed, but you must clean up after them. Parking around the lighthouse and on Railroad Ave. across the street from the Port Isabel Historical Museum. Starts at 9:30 p.m. after South Padre Island’s Fireworks over the Laguna Madre.

	JULY 30>>> BLINDSIDE The story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. Rated: PG-13. 129 minutes (2009)
	AUGUST 13>>> TWILIGHT- NEW MOON: After Bella recovers from the vampire attack that almost claimed her life, she looks to celebrate her birthday with Edward and his family… Rated: PG-13. 130 minutes (2009)
	AUGUST 27>>> OLD DOGS Two friends and business partners find their lives turned upside down when strange circumstances lead to them being placed in the care of 7-year-old twins. Rated: PG. 88 minutes (2009)
	OCTOBER 29>>> CORALINE: An adventurous girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets. Rated: PG. Running Time: 100 minutes (2009)

Sponsored by: SOUTH PADRE BANK, N.A. (understudy), Pirates Landing Restaurant, Museums of Port Isabel, City of Port Isabel, Port Isabel Economic Development Corporation, Port Isabel Merchants Committee.

“The Sea Life Center” with George and Scarlet Colley

The Museums of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation are proud to present its “Telling Our Stories” Series of 2010 on Thursday, July 29, at the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave. at 6:00 p.m. Mr. George and Mrs. Scarlet Colley, will discuss growing up in Port Isabel and The Sea Life Center, which is a nonprofit organization. The Sea Life Center in Port Isabel first opened in 2005. With over 100,000 visitors annually, ranging from local residents to vacationers from all over the world, George and Scarlet Colley have been able to spread their message of wildlife ecosystems and conservation efforts to both the young and the elderly.

With years of dedicated studies and research, George and Scarlet Colley have taken great steps towards protecting the wild dolphin’s native to the Laguna Madre, which is not just a safe haven for these sea mammals but also one of the most popular sites for tourists to view these wild dolphins up close. The Colley’s have been giving boat tours for years, as well as rescuing stranded dolphins around the area.

Come and join the Colley’s as they continue to spread their message of an eco friendly world at the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. All local residents and visitors are welcomed to attend this free presentation. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

The Museums of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation’s goals are to educate and preserve our local history.

For more information contact Gabriel Godines at (956) 943-7602 or visit www.portisabelmuseums.com