Museum of the Gulf Coast Highlights the History of Texas/Louisiana
The Museum of the Gulf Coast should be on anyoneโs list of places to visit in the Port Arthur, Texas area. A major draw for those who love history, this museum highlights the history and heritage of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana through exhibits and artifacts.
Itโs a fascinating look into the culture and history of the area that begins in ancient times and continues through modern day.
Have you ever wanted to try to wrestle a gator?
About the Museum of the Gulf Coast
This 39,000-square-foot museum, located in downtown Port Arthur, Texas is devoted to the history and heritage of the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana.
With two floors of exhibits, an orientation theater, classroom, hospitality area, rentable space, and a gift shop, the museum aims to make learning about the area both informative and fun.
The museum covers the complete history of the area, beginning with paleontological and Native American exhibits. It then goes into the European contact, the Texas Navy, the Civil War, economic and cultural growth.
The museum chronicles the complete history of the region and continues to preserve it as years go by, constantly adding to its exhibits and various exhibitions.
Museum of the Gulf Coast Exhibits
The Museum of the Gulf Coast houses both permanent and temporary exhibits along with various collections that tell the history of the area.
These exhibits feature everything from history, natural history, and art to artifacts that once belonged to famous individuals from the area and histories of the economic growth of the area.
Notable permanent exhibits include:
- Items connected to Janis Joplinโs life, including a replica of her famous psychedelic Porsche.
- The high school letter jacket and other memorabilia connected to Jimmy Johnson.
- Personal items from George Jones, Tracy Byrd, Babe Zacharias, Tex Ritter, and more.
- Artwork by Robert Rauschenberg, an internationally recognized artist from Port Arthur.
- The Texas Navy Maritime Exhibit
- The John and Grace Snell Parlor of decorative arts and glassware.
In addition to exhibits, the museum has over 35,000 items like photographs, documents, and objects of all kinds that represent the biology, history, and culture of the area.
Learning a little history of the area, such as The Home Laundry. It was a long running small mom & pop business, even with their own truck.
I loved there were inter-active areas for kids. So many museums can be a bit boring to them and a hands off. But how fun for them with these.
Sometimes you see things at a museum you have had like this old water pump. I have the one that was on our family farm, even used it as garden decor at one time.
It was very interesting to see what a light from an actual lighthouse looked like up clos
e.
Pompeiian Villa Tours
In addition to its vast collection of artifacts and informative exhibits, The Museum of the Gulf Coast also offers guided tours of the Pompeiian Village, one of the most iconic structures in the area. Designed by Chicago architects George C. Nimmons and William K. Fellows and built in 1900, the villa was intended to capture the feel of the villas in Pompeii. This amazing villa features a wide variety of Romanesque touches, beautiful colors, and lovely grounds.
This was a place I would have loved to tour, but it wasnโt open during our visit.
Halls of Fame
The Museum of the Gulf Coast is home to three halls of fame dedicated to notable people from the region, each one governed by the Port Arthur Historical Society Board.
This was our favorite part of the museum as we recognized many of these icons, especially since not being from the gulf coast, we werenโt as familiar with the history of the area.
The Music Hall of Fame currently recognizes over 85 legends of the music industry like Janis Joplin, Tex Ritter, and ZZ Top. Remember when we saw a lot of Tex Ritter memorabilia HERE.
A lof of this section was devoted to Janis Joplin, who is probably the most famous and notable person from the area, and as my husband is a music lover and record collector, it was definately a favorite.
A replica is on display at the Museum.
The Big Bopper was also from the area. This honored him, also known as J. P. Richardson, Buddy Holly, and Richie Valens who died in a plane crash in 1959.
The Sports Hall of Fame currently features over 90 athlete inductees representing almost every U.S. sport. Members include Mark Henry, Charles โBubbaโ Smith, and Jimmy Johnson.
I especially loved the Jimmie Johnson features โ he was a member of the 1964 Arkansas Razorback National Championship Football Team โ Go Hogsy
A few more sports displays โ a few I did recognize the names or teams.
The Notable People Hall of Fame recognizes natives of the region who have made their mark on the world in entertainment, politics, science, literature, and education. It currently recognizes over 45 inductees.
Visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast
From ancient times to the modern era, the Museum of the Gulf Coast chronicles the complete history of the region. Itโs a must-see spot in the Port Arthur area for any history buff or anyone simply wanting to know more about the region. If youโre travelling to the area, I highly recommend putting it on your list of places to see.
For more info on Port Arthur check THIS.
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Happy Travels,
Rosemary
