Monthly Archives: March 2010

“The Spanish Fleet of 1554 & The Antiquities Lock”

The Museums of Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre Museum Foundation are proud to present its “Telling Our Stories” Series of 2010 on Thursday, March 25, at the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, 317 E. Railroad Ave. at 6:00 p.m.

Steve Hathcock, a historian and lock smith, will present, “The Spanish Fleet of 1554 & The Antiquities Lock”.  Mr. Hathcock was a founding member of the Historical Foundation and is the Chairman with the South Padre Island Historical Preservation Board, and also serves as a board member with the Cameron County Historical Commission. He has written about South Texas history for the past 25 years, and along with his work, he has published three books and is working on a fourth.

The Museums of Port Isabel welcome all locals, visitors and Winter Texans to join us! Drinks and refreshments will be served. Open to the public. No admission fee.

March’s “Telling Our Stories” will be sponsored by:
Coastal Mail- ‘Where you can handle all of your office and shipping needs!’
The Alex Avalos Printing Company- ‘Friendly and reliable service since 2002′
Southwind Inn- ‘Clean, comfortable, and affordable rooms that are so close to the fun!’

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 call (956) 943-7602, email Gabriel Godines at ggodines@copitx.com or visit www.portisabelmuseums.com

The Treasures of the Gulf Museum is open! Due to construction, please use the entrance on Highway 100.

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