On Saturday, October 13, 2012, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary hosted a celebratory event at the grand opening of the Treasures of NOAA's Ark exhibit in the Texas Seaport Museum, Galveston, TX.
Click on a picture below to see a larger, hi-resolution image
Photo credits: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary/Drinnen
The Texas Seaport Museum is the temporary home of the Treasures of NOAA's Ark exhibit, as well as a permanent exhibt about NOAA's work in local shrimp fisheries and a video kiosk for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Treasures of NOAA's Ark exhibit viewed from the second level of the Texas Seaport Museum.
This beautiful Captain's desk served as a nice entry point for the celebration. All guests were invited to sign a Happy Anniversary card for National Marine Sanctuaries.
The first few guests begin exploring the Treasures of NOAA's Ark exhibit.
Guests were invited to learn more about the sanctuary's 20 years of exploration as well. Special thanks to the Texas Sea Grant program who sent the beautiful flower "cake" with anniversary wishes!
Sanctuary Superintendent G.P. Schmahl chats with Jamie White, Director of the Texas Seaport Museum, and Dwayne Jones, Executive Director of the Galveston Historical Foundation, before the evening's presentation.
G.P. Schmahl gave a brief summary of NOAA's presence in the Galveston community followed by an introduction to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
Over 80 people attended the grand opening presentation and explored the exhibit.