Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Corpus Christi, Texas

In 1957 the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History was opened to the public. Since its creation it has been a place for residents and other guests to learn about the New World. A combination of natural history, environments, people, and science come together in this Texas place to show the development America has gone through. Programs at the museum help to teach students and guests even more about history than a onetime visit. It is meant to tell the story of the American history in order to quench the thirst for knowledge, understanding, and context or at least answer a few questions.

The facility has 85,000 square feet of space and over 87,000 artifacts and 400,000 archival photographs and records. This is one of the United States museums accredited by the American Association of Museums, gaining that distinction in 1973. Patrons may visit the facility Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. The museum is not open on Mondays or major holidays like Christmas. Admission is $11.50 for adults, $9 for seniors and military, and $6 for children 5 to 12. Under five are able to attend for free. The museum has group rates at $6 per adult for a group of ten or more people. Children group rates are $4 per person. Any bus driver or tour operator with a group is free. There are also school and scout rates. It is important to call ahead for the information.

One collection at the museum of Science and History is the McGregor Photo Collection. It contains 250,000 prints and negatives taken by Doc McGregor between 1930 and 1960. They highlight various organizations, events, and people. There is also a McGregor Rotating Gallery that changes photographs every so often.

The Natural History Collection takes guests through animals, plants, and minerals found in South Texas and other locations in the world. Specimens have been donated by researchers to enhance the gallery. The History Collection continues with area history. It offers pre-Columbus to present day artifacts. Some of the objects are from Corpus Christi families like the Kennedy, Von Blucher, and Galvan Collections. Marine Archaeology is imperative to Texas, and therefore the museum shows information from the Spanish 16th century to present day. Some artifacts are from a Padre Island Shipwreck and the French 17th century La Belle shipwreck in Matagorda Bay.

The curator has also offered information by choosing curiosity items like interesting specimens and artifacts. The artifacts can change monthly and some may not be on display for the public. A most fascinating display is the 1554 shipwreck with gold and silver bullion, sugar, wood, cowhide, and other items on board. The wreck even offers anchors, guns, coins, and other treasures the State of Texas found. Seeds of Change is a 500 year display of artifacts from the Old and New World showing how plants, animals, and people were all affected by items found or brought to the country.