Deck 3
Discovery Hull: Step Inside History’s Floating Treasure!
Imagine a mighty wooden ship hull, retired from the sea and transformed into a world of wonder! On this deck, explore a massive, life-sized ship hull that spans the entire floor—once repurposed as everything from warehouses to hotels. Inside, uncover hidden gems like the thrilling Discovery Hull Theater featuring the captivating Port of Victory show, and a sprawling “curiosity cabinet” packed with rare maritime artifacts. Around the hull’s edges, dive into Civil War–era stevedoring tools and an epic timeline tracing the rich maritime history of the Gulf and Mobile.
Accessible for the visually impaired. Some exhibits will needs assistance from sighted person to interpret the text.
Discovery Hull Theater: Experience the Epic Story of “Port of Victory”!
Step into the heart of history with Port of Victory, a powerful film that brings to life the heroic story of the Port of Mobile during World War II. Through stunning sound, lighting, and fog effects, witness the relentless spirit of shipbuilders and shippers—like Waterman Steamship and Alcoa—who braved German U-boat attacks to transport vital bauxite for airplane production. See how Alabama Dry Dock (ADDSCO) and others forged the ships that helped win the war in an unforgettable cinematic journey that honors courage, innovation, and sacrifice.
El Cazador: A Sunken Treasure That Could Have Changed History
Step aboard a glass-bottom boat and gaze into the depths where history sleeps. Below lies El Cazador, a Spanish galleon lost in 1784 on a mission to save Spain’s struggling Louisiana colony with a shipment of desperately needed silver coins. Had it completed its voyage, the course of American history might have shifted forever. Discover the mystery, the mission, and the legend of the shipwreck that time almost forgot!
Shipwrecks of the Gulf: Explore the Graveyard Beneath the Waves
Uncover the secrets of the deep with this striking wall mural showcasing some of the Gulf’s most legendary shipwrecks—from mighty cargo vessels to sunken pleasure craft. Each ship icon marks a real wreck site, revealing the type of vessel lost and the story behind it. Dive into tales of storms, battles, and mystery as you trace the final journeys of ships that now rest beneath the waves.
Portholes to the Sea: Watch the Gulf Come to Life!
Peek through magical portholes and witness a lively parade of ships sailing in from across the globe! With whimsical animation, vessels from the 18th to the 21st centuries come to life—bringing goods to the Gulf and loading up with local treasures for the journey home. It’s a charming, time-traveling glimpse into centuries of global trade and maritime adventure!
The Hunley: Ride Into History Aboard the Civil War’s Most Daring Submarine
Climb aboard the H.L. Hunley and relive one of the most thrilling moments in naval history—the night it became the first submarine to sink an enemy warship. Step into the shoes of Lt. George Dixon, the Hunley’s fearless captain, and experience the tension, bravery, and sacrifice of that fateful mission against the Union’s USS Housatonic. It’s a gripping journey beneath the waves that changed the course of naval warfare forever.
Pelican Girls: Ghostly Tales from Mobile’s Earliest Love Stories
Gaze into a weathered mirror and watch as the ghostly reflections of two young French women come to life. These are the Pelican Girls—“cassette girls” sent from Paris in 1704 to become brides for the lonely French-Canadian settlers of Mobile. Through haunting, firsthand stories, they reveal what it was like to leave everything behind and sail across the ocean in search of a new life, love, and survival in the untamed New World.
Fish Tales: Big Catches and Bigger Stories from the Gulf!
Cast off into the thrilling world of Gulf Coast fishing! Projected onto a towering ship’s sail, two dynamic media presentations bring the action to life—one diving into the excitement of the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo, the other exploring the rich tradition of oyster harvesting in the Bay. Overhead, marvel at three massive fish—life-sized recreations of record-breaking catches that make every angler dream big. It’s a celebration of the Gulf’s bounty, bravery, and unforgettable fish tales!
Riverboat Run: Ride the Current of Innovation!
All aboard for a fast-paced journey through time! Watch the incredible evolution of river travel unfold before your eyes as a lively animation morphs one vessel into the next—from swift canoes and rugged keelboats to mighty flatboats, grand steamboats, and powerful diesel tows. It’s a fun, visual voyage through centuries of innovation on the inland waterways of the Gulf!
Tools of the Trade: From Muscle to Machines!
Step into the gritty, ever-evolving world of maritime cargo handling! Discover how stevedores—once relying solely on strength and skill—transformed their trade with cranes, forklifts, and cutting-edge tech. This hands-on display showcases the fascinating tools of the trade, from old-school gear to modern marvels that power today’s global ports. See how the job that built the docks continues to shape the world of shipping!
MariTimeline: Sail Through Centuries of Gulf Coast History!
Embark on a captivating journey through time with the MariTimeline—a sweeping, easy-to-explore display of the Gulf and Mobile’s rich maritime legacy. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a history buff, you’ll uncover thrilling tales of early explorers, groundbreaking inventions, fierce political shifts, economic booms, and cultural milestones. Parallel timelines bring the past to life, illuminated by stunning engravings, vivid paintings, and rare photographs that reveal the people and events that shaped the Gulf’s unforgettable story.
