As the Spanish discovered more and more riches in the New World they had to find a ship that could get the cargo home. They already had light, narrow, caravels, but these ships couldn’t carry enough cargo. They had huge carracks, but carracks couldn’t maneuver well in battle, so they developed the nao. The three Padre Island ships were naos. From them, and historical sources, we know something about the cargo ships that became the sailing beasts of burden for Spain. Naos had enough hull depth to carry all the provisions, cargo and armament needed to survive the Atlantic crossing. These sturdy, broad-beamed ships could withstand the pounding of ocean waves and storms. And naos could still maneuver well enough in battle. Although other ships performed specific tasks better, naos gave the Spanish what they needed for the Indies trade. Naos carried enough cargo, were maneuverable, and stayed afloat long enough to bring treasure home.

When the Spanish first set eyes on it, the Aztec empire was one of the largest and most advanced states in the Americas. Its capital -- the twin cities of Tenochtitlan-Tlateloco -- had a population of 250,000 and compared with the finest cities of Europe. The emperor Moctezuma ruled millions of subjects and a network of conquered territories. Aztec culture stood at the peak of more than 3000 years of Mesoamerican civilization.

'Bats In My World' is an exhibit that allows children to explore the unique world of the bat. Ecology, environment, habitat, adaptation and geography are all themes touched on by this exhibit.

This interactive children's learning area is designed for children and their families. It features a climb aboard shrimp boat, transparent house, a full size Holstein Cow model and other hands on learning experiences.

This is an exhibit about cartography, geography and the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus.

This exhibit features Columbus replica ships -- the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria.

This exhibit is broken down into several subtopics, including: 'Establishing Roots 1839-1852', 'Out of the Wilderness 1852-1887', 'Tides of Change 1880-1920', 'Renewal on Land and Sea 1920-1960' and 'Biographies'.

This exhibit covers the following subtopics: 'Land of Ancestors', 'First Encounters', 'God, Gold & Country', 'The French Colony' and 'Spanish Missions'.

Visitors will learn about rocks and minerals, natural resources and hurricanes.

This exhibit features displays on trees, birds and endangered species.

After studying ranch management at Texas A&M University, John Kenedy Jr. devoted his career to ranching in South Texas, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His grandfather was Mifflin Kenedy who was a partner with Captain Richard King first in the steamship business and later in the ranching business. The Kenedy home was on their main ranch, La Parra, located south of Corpus Christi in Kenedy County.

See displays on the shells of the world and habits & habitat.

Learn about the characteristics of reptiles, in particular, backyard reptiles and the American alligator.

This exhibit presents the history of sugar, corn and potato crops in Corpus Christi. This exhibit includes displays on Old World diseases, annular skull deformation and a trephined skull. Also, learn about the evolution of horses in the New World.

Visitors will learn about the history ranching in Mexico and South Texas. The exhibit includes a display on vaquero clothing, skills and techniques and a display about Richard King, founder of the King Ranch.

The 'Windows of the Past' exhibit features a one room schoolhouse, shellcrete house, general store, Doc McGregor photos, fishing lures and a display on the Beranger Discovery of Aransas Pass.

As the Spanish discovered more and more riches in the New World they had to find a ship that could get the cargo home. They already had light, narrow, caravels, but these ships couldn’t carry enough cargo. They had huge carracks, but carracks couldn’t maneuver well in battle, so they developed the nao. The three Padre Island ships were naos. From them, and historical sources, we know something about the cargo ships that became the sailing beasts of burden for Spain. Naos had enough hull depth to carry all the provisions, cargo and armament needed to survive the Atlantic crossing. These sturdy, broad-beamed ships could withstand the pounding of ocean waves and storms. And naos could still maneuver well enough in battle. Although other ships performed specific tasks better, naos gave the Spanish what they needed for the Indies trade. Naos carried enough cargo, were maneuverable, and stayed afloat long enough to bring treasure home.

When the Spanish first set eyes on it, the Aztec empire was one of the largest and most advanced states in the Americas. Its capital -- the twin cities of Tenochtitlan-Tlateloco -- had a population of 250,000 and compared with the finest cities of Europe. The emperor Moctezuma ruled millions of subjects and a network of conquered territories. Aztec culture stood at the peak of more than 3000 years of Mesoamerican civilization.

'Bats In My World' is an exhibit that allows children to explore the unique world of the bat. Ecology, environment, habitat, adaptation and geography are all themes touched on by this exhibit.