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1554 Shipwreck! |
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In 1554 a convoy of Spanish ships with gold and silver bullion, cargoes of sugar, wood, cowhides and passengers sailed from Veracruz destined for Spain. However they ran into a tempest and shipwrecked off Padre Island in 1554. Anchors, guns, coins and other treasures were recovered by the State of Texas. This is the oldest scientifically excavated shipwreck in the Western Hemisphere. |
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Seeds of Change |
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The effects of 500 years of encounter and exchange between the Old World and the New World following the voyages of Christopher Columbus are told in this exhibit. It tells the story of the exchange of plants, animals and people. Five “seeds”-corn, potatoes, diseases, horses and sugar form the core of this exhibit. |
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Children's Wharf |
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In June of 2007 the Children's Wharf was updated with brand new activities including a two-story light house, gravity wall, and bird costumes. The activities in the Children’s Wharf are designed for children ages 3 - 7. |
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Gallery of Cultural Encounters |
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South Texas was an important region for early historic encounters between French, Spanish and Native Americans. A French expedition led by Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, left the port of La Rochelle, France to establish a colony in the New World. His ship La Belle shipwrecked in Matagorda Bay in 1686. The Museum’s exhibit on La Salle is part of the La Salle Odyssey, told by seven Museums. Corpus Christi’s exhibit tells the story of the birth of the expedition. Inside the gallery that features a 16th century hand carved wooden ceiling from Spain are early French paintings that depict the port of La Rochelle where La Belle sailed from. Artifacts recovered from the shipwreck depict the ship fittings and armament including bronze cannons.
The Karankawa who lived along the Texas Gulf Coast salvaged items from the La Belle shipwreck. Their lifeways are told through artifacts and graphics based on archaeological excavations being conducted by the Museum.
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Exhibits (GO)
Even More Exhibits (GO)
