Galveston Island, Texas– Visitors to Galveston Historical Foundation’s Texas Seaport Museum this summer will have the opportunity to learn even more about the historic 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA and many aspects of nautical life with the museum’s special summer programming.
Tickets are $12 per youth 6-18, $15 per adult and $3 per child 5 and under and are available at galvestonhistory.org, or by calling 409-763-1877. All tickets include admission to Texas Seaport Museum and the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Programs will be held each Tuesday from June 9 through August 18 and will begin at 2 pm.
In addition to the summer programs offered, the Texas Seaport Museum will also be offering an ELISSA scavenger hunt throughout the summer months starting June 9 through August 22. Participation in this is free and packets can be picked up at the front desk when purchasing tickets. There will be a prize for those that get all questions correct.
June 9 – Set a Sail!
Ever wonder what life was like for a sailor in the 19th century? Join Texas Seaport Museum’s volunteer crew in setting a sail at dock on the 1877 Iron Barque ELISSA! Participants will learn the language of seafaring, how to work together as a group and what it took to make it out on the high seas!
June 16 – Knot Tying and Marlinspike
Learn the ins and the outs of line handling at our basic Marlinspike knot tying classes! Whether you are an able seaman or a landlubber, knots are part of your everyday life. Participants will learn their basics aboard the ELISSA and see if they can tie their knots as good as our sailors!
June 23 – Meal Time on the Main
Come discover what sailors ate on the long journey across the Atlantic! Landlubbers will help our cook create a meal for our crew with the stores available aboard. Class includes a short cooking demo.
June 30 – Opening of the Trade Routes
Japan opens its ports to trade with the United States of America. Come explore the 1877 Iron Barque ELISSA and learn about her life as a cargo ship that sailed around the world. This class will discuss trade routes and cargo, especially those out of Japan. Hands-on project will include origami art.
July 7 – Flag Etiquette
Step into a world of maritime language! Learn how ships used to communicate with each other using only color and lines. Then create your own flag which we will fly at ELISSA’s mast.
July 14 – Rope Mat Knot Working
Come create a mariner’s masterpiece! Using line from the 1877 Iron Barque ELISSA, help our crew make rope mats and block mats to be used aboard!
July 21 – Buoyancy Challenge
Join us dockside to put your skills to the test and create a ship that doesn’t stink….I mean sink! Using only a paper plate, three pieces of newspaper, and eight inches of duct tape, you will have the opportunity to construct your own unique vessel and answer the age old maritime question: “will it float?” Prizes will be awarded to the constructor of the ship that can hold the most weight.
July 28 – Dockside Marine Biology and Fish Rubbing Workshop
Explore sea life in the Gulf with Sid Steffens, Marine Biologist. As part of our dockside Marine Biology program, learn about the fish that make up our local ecosystem and take home a fish rubbing! Originally created by the Japanese over 200 years ago, this art form allows you to admire the beauty of our oceans wildlife!
August 4 – Scrimshaw Candle Workshop
Come get hands-on with history at our Scrimshaw candle workshop! Known as a pastime for sailors on whaling vessels in New England, scrimshaw has been around for around 200 years. Learn about this truly American pastime and take home your own piece of maritime history!
August 11 – Set a Sail!
Ever wonder what life was like for a sailor in the 19th century? Join Texas Seaport Museum’s volunteer crew in setting a sail at dock on the 1877 Iron Barque ELISSA! Participants will learn the language of seafaring, how to work together as a group and what it took to make it out on the high seas!
August 18 – Turtle Power!
Delve into the Gulf and discover its most endangered species…the turtle! Join Root Choyce from the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council to talk about this beautiful creature and create your own floating turtle out of recycled materials!
For more information, please contact Susan Vanderford, Coordinator of Maritime Education and Programs, at 409-763-1877 ext. 1106 or [email protected].