News

Museum of the Coastal Bend

A tragic tale rooted in rich Texas history comes to life during the La Salle Odyssey Exhibit Tour at Victoria College’s Museum of the Coastal Bend on Thursday, March 20, at 2 p.m.

All are welcome to join Glenn Dives, Exhibits and Collections Manager, for a deep dive into the history of the doomed French Colony.

French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle set out to find the mouth of the Mississippi River and establish a French settlement in the area. However, his journey was plagued by navigational errors, and instead of reaching the Mississippi, his fleet arrived on the coast of Texas in what is now known as Matagorda Bay.

Participants will discover the fascinating tale of the doomed French colony and examine artifacts excavated from the colony and LaBelle shipwreck during this free exhibit tour.

The Museum of the Coastal Bend is located on VC’s Main Campus at 2200 E. Red River Street in Victoria. While Victoria College is on Spring Break, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is “pay-what-you-want.”

French-themed Spring Break activities will be open for students and community members to attend March 18-22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participate in free, fun, family-friendly activities that celebrate French exploration of early Texas. Solve puzzles as you work your way through the Explorer Escape Room, play French games like Shut the Box and Escargot, create a cup-and-ball toy, and more.

For more information on the Museum of the Coastal Bend and its upcoming events, visit MuseumOfTheCoastalBend.org, email Museum@VictoriaCollege.edu, or call (361) 582-2511.