Museums Contribute To Tourism, Knowledge And Context In The Coastal Bend
This week, I wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the tourism industry in Texas – specifically through those that serve the tourism industry by educating us on important aspects of our local history and region. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, located at 1900 North Chaparral Street, is an excellent resource for learning about the history of our area. The Port Aransas Museum, which sits at 101 East Brundrett at Alister Street, is partnered with the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association, as well as the City of Port Aransas. The Port Aransas Museum is another great resource for our area that members of the public can enjoy.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, which was opened in 1952, features 40,000 square feet of science and history exhibits. These exhibits include history specific to the city, local cultures, an older shipwreck, and artifacts from the Kenedy family. The focus shifts to ancient history with the exceptional Paleontology exhibit, and to botany with the Seeds of Change feature. The museum provides a wide array of programs for schools, adults, summer camps, and families. On the second Saturday of the month, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History provides a “Family Fun Day” filled with hands-on activities inspired by a new topic each month. It also hosts a Special Night at the Museum, or “Sensory Nights,” each month where individuals with special needs and their families can be better accommodated. This past week, the museum held its last week-long camp of the summer, and will hold Spring Break camps next year for children. Research the museum and make plans to visit Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
Port Aransas also features its own museum, which was created in 2002 to conserve and promote the history of the area. One of its primary exhibits is named “War and Strife,” and focuses on the area’s contribution and involvement with the Karankawa Wars, the Texas Revolution, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, World War II and the War Against Terrorism. Another remarkable feature of the museum is its Chapel Tour where visitors are taken to a small church on the sand dunes 26 feet above the sea. The museum is open three days per week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) in the afternoons. More info on the museum and its features can be found at Port Aransas Museum.
Last, the Internet is full of resources with which to read about our long and storied history. These resources include the Texas State Historical Association, the Texas Historical Commission, and South Texas Maps.
If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at Texas House of Representatives. The site features live streaming from committee hearings as well as access to a number of other resources. You can also follow the Texas Senate at Texas Senate. For important information regarding transportation in the state, feel free to visit the Texas Department of Transportation. Other references are the Texas General Land Office, or visit the Texas Railroad Commission.
The 84th Legislative session has come to a close but I invite you to review what was accomplished during the recent session. To view the governor’s actions, please visit Office of the Governor Gregg Abbot or to see the bills that have already been signed, please visit Office of the Governor bills . If you would like to see more about the legislature, please visit the Texas Legislature Online .
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
