Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum sits on the banks of the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville Louisiana about three miles before this historic river flows into Lake Pontchartrain. With over 12,000 sq ft of interior museum space and more than 4,000 sq ft of covered exterior space that houses the museum's boat building activities, the mission of the museum is "bringing Louisiana's unique maritime history to life". The museum also includes the Tchefuncte River Lightstation (built in 1837) at the mouth of the river and the Lighkeeper's cottage which sits on the museum grounds.

The museum is located about 4 miles (10 minute drive) south from Exit 57 on Interstate 12.

Exhibits

The Secret Weapon
A 1:1 scale model of the Pioneer 1, predecessor to the CSS Hunley;

"Gulf Coast Lighthouses"
Dioramas of 25 of the most historic light stations that dotted Lake Pontchartrain and the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coasts, constructed by noted Louisiana artist Nelson Plaisance.

Wood & Water
Captures the essence of this environment and the rich local history that was shaped by it. Particular emphasis is on locally developed watercraft that have been important to everyday life and commerce in the area.

Treasures of the Tchefuncte
Step back in time with an award-winning video history of the Tchefuncte River.

Many more exhibits including a large collection of outboard motors, models of steamboats that plied the Mississippi and traversed Lake Pontchartrain; the Fresnel lens from the Chandeleur Island Lighthouse; and the lantern room cage structure from the Pass Manchac Light, rescued before it was destroyed by Hurricane Isaac.

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