About Us

MARITIME HERITAGE

The Houston Maritime Museum features numerous models from around the world representing ships from ancient history through our nation’s modern navy and commercial ships. Models include battleships, destroyers, submarines, aircraft carriers, clipper ships, side-and-stern-wheel paddleboats, sailing warships, ships of the age of exploration, modern merchant ships, freighters, tankers, and semisubmersibles. In addition, the museum is home to a world class collection of marine navigation belonging to retired Navy Lieutenant Commander John Luykx. This collection includes astrolabes, nautical quadrants, sextants and many other tools of maritime navigation. 

PORT OF HOUSTON EXHIBIT

One of the highlights of the Museum is an exhibit on the Port of Houston. As the second largest port in terms of gross tonnage, the Port of Houston contributes significantly to both the local and national economy. This exhibit describes the history of the Port and its development over time and features a number of historic and current photos depicting the various organizations and entities that comprise the complex port system. Artifacts, photos, and labels tell visitors of the many items that come through the port every  day and provide an overview of the career opportunities created by the maritime industries. The exhibit is a wonderful introduction to the vast Port of Houston and presents a local perspective within the museum.

EDUCATION and OUTREACH

The Museum offers monthly lectures and has an active speakers bureau that can provide lectures to groups of all ages and sizes both on- and off-site. Staff members can also provide TEKs-based lessons on science, math, social studies, and geography to school groups. We also support scouting and offer workshops for Boy and Cub Scouts to earn Merit Badges. In addition, the Museum hosts the Gulf Coast Historical Ship Modelers Society.

Some other focus areas within the Houston Maritime Museum include:

  • Merchant Marine Veterans:  This area commemorate the sacrifices that Merchant Marine Veterans made and acknowledges the important roll they played during WWII.
  • Luykx Navigation Collection:  This collection, which contains over 100 maritime navigation instruments, shows the evolution of navigation tools.
  • WWII Naval Models:  A collection of ships models that show the various types of vessels used by the Germans, Japanese and Allies during WWII.  It is this through these models that the HMM can describe naval actions in WWII and relate the importance of a strong navy to our nations security.
  • Ship Models: With these models, our maritime history from ancient time to the present, is shown. Educational material is presented along with each model to explain why she gained a place in history.
  • Maritime Artifacts:  On display are items ranging from a 3 B.C. amphora to modern sextants plus nautical items collected from ports around the world.
  • Library: This non-lending library, specializing in maritime books and magazines, is available for patrons wishing to do research.

Gift Shop:  Our gift shop specializes in nautical items ranging from ship models to small gifts