The Leeds Exhibit includes a life-size model of an experimental Civil War submarine built by students and faculty from Southeastern Louisiana University.
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum features unique exhibits that illustrate the innovation, creativity, and perserverance of Lousiana’s people, concentrating on the maritime history of Lake Pontchartrain Basin, the lower Mississippi River Valley, and the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Lifelike examples of native Louisiana plants and animals can be seen in the museum’s exhibits, “Watch your step!”
Key exhibits include:
- Secret Weapon! Civil War Submarine, the Pioneer
- Canals of New Orleans
- Lighthouses of Louisiana
- Wood and Water, a Celebration of Louisiana Boatbuilding
- The Steamboat Era
New Exhibits
“Waterways to Railways II”: Photographs and archival images from a project of the Olde Towne Arts Center (OTAC) Digital Arts program, is on display now at the Maritime Museum. The project was created by OTAC in cooperation with the Guardians of Slidell History for the St. Tammany Parish Bicentennial. It has been expanded to include new images and a 10-minute video with oral history interviews collected during the project. A one-hour documentary “Waterways to Railways” is available for groups to view by appointment. For information, call Stephanie Imel, LPBMM Education Coordinator, at 985.845.9200. Copies of the DVD are available in the LPBMM store. For information, on OTAC and this exhibit email info@OTACenter.com.
Collections
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum has a growing collection of unique maritime artifacts, photographs, and documents. The research library is currently closed for reorganization. If you have something you would like to donate to the permanent collection, please call (985)845-9200 or contact us by clicking here.
The Workboat Magazine Collection holds many images of 20th century working craft. The collection will be opened to researchers after archival processing is complete.
Research
The Maritime Museum currently supports archaeological exploration of the Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain, as well as marshland ecology in cooperation with our partner Southeastern Louisiana University. Hands-on opportunties for personal growth for students and members are available periodically.
In 2008 the Maritime Museum funded underwater archaeological search by Earth-Search, Inc., for underwater cultural resources in the vicinty of the museum dock.
