The Crows Nest

Over the past quarter-century, the Gulf of Mexico has witnessed a tumultuous parade of tropical storms and hurricanes. Among the most severe was Hurricane Katrina in 2005, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that inundated New Orleans, Gulfport and other areas of Mississippi and Alabama causing unprecedented devastation and loss of life. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey unleashed record-breaking rainfall, flooding vast swathes of Texas and Louisiana. And in 2018, Hurricane Michael struck the Florida Panhandle with ferocious intensity, leaving communities shattered in its path. These events underscore the Gulf’s vulnerability to nature’s fury and the pressing need for resilient infrastructure and preparedness. This exhibit allows guests to step onto the helm of a ship and and see (and feel) what it’s like to pilot a ship in 35 MPH winds! (nearly 100 MPH less than some of these storms.) Hang on to your hat!