See the Exhibit in Rockport
In the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast, Rockport has long been a hub of maritime heritage, vibrant art, and community spirit. Its story is intertwined with the evolution of rural America, showcasing the perseverance and ingenuity of its people. Now, for the first time, these stories are being celebrated on a national stage. Rockport clearly has a long history with many fascinating stories to tell, some of which are being told for the very first time...
See the exhibit in Rockport from January 25, 2025 through March 9, 2025.
Hero image of the Rockport Harbor provided courtesy of John Martell.
Next Stop: Buffalo Gap, TX
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," will be travelling to seven small towns spread across Texas.
To catch the exhibit when it's in your neck of the woods, check out other dates and locations by visiting our main exhibit page.
Community Host
Visitor Information
Plan Your Trip
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Rockport. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do in the Coastal Bend! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do.
Exhibit Location
The national exhibit can be viewed at the Aransas County Community Center.
302 North Live Oak Street
Rockport, Texas 78382
There are several local exhibits at participating museums. Read more about them in the Local Exhibits section below.
Fee and Hours
The exhibit will be on display daily from January 25, 2025, to March 9, 2025.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fee:
Free of charge
Parking Information
Free parking at the adjacent Aransas County Community Center Lot.
Free Public Parking Lot at the Railroad Museum and free street parking throughout downtown Rockport.
Accessibility
The Aransas County Community Center is ADA Compliant.
Local Exhibits
While in town to see the Smithsonian's "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" exhibit, please visit the local exhibits at these excellent museums.
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
317 S. Fulton Beach Rd.
Rockport, Tx 78382
361-729-0386
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fulton Schoolhouse Museum
205 N. 7th Street
Fulton, TX 78382
361-729-5533
Hours:
Saturday: 1:00 m.- 4:00 p.m.
Private Tours available; please call
History Center for Aransas County
801 Cedar
Rockport, TX 78382
Hours:
Monday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 1:00 m. - 4:00p.m.
Rockport Railroad Museum
105 S. Magnolia Street
Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: 214-395-7156
Hours:
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Texas Maritime Museum
1202 Navigation Circle
Rockport, TX 78382
361-729-1271
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Additional Programming
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the additional programming. For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below.
Programs and Events
Smithsonian "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" Exhibit Grand Opening
January 25, 2025
Vietnamese New Year Cultural Celebration
January 25, 2025
Film Round Up
February 1, 2025
Learn Lots About South Texas History
February 1, 2025
"Starring Rockport" Screening
February 1, 2025
Vignettes from Texas History
February 7, 2025
Skits for Kids - Texas History
February 8, 2025
Music from the Past
February 8, 2025
Book Signing and Showing of the Rockport-Fulton Art Colony
February 15, 2025
Lipan Apache Tribe - A Buffalo Story (Juan Garcia)
February 15, 2025
Palacios Day - The Luther Hotel: Saved from the Wrecking Ball
February 22, 2025
ACTS Aviation: Warbirds Over South Texas – A Tribute to Aviation Heritage
March 1, 2025
Pioneer Skills Hands-On Experience
March 8, 2025
Smithsonian "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" Closing Event
March 9, 2025
Speaker Series / Lectures
Temari Balls - The Challenge of Embroidery on a Sphere (Katrina Brown)
January 26, 2025
Vietnamese of the Texas Coast (Leah Nguyen Oliva)
February 3, 2025
The Challenge of What to Do with This Old Quilt (Julenna Fuller)
February 9, 2025
Copano: An Early Port for the Irish (David Kroskie)
February 10, 2025
Danish Watermen (Janie White)
February 17, 2025
Indianola: Port of Entry for the Germans (Carroll Brincefield)
February 24, 2025
Out of the Comfort Zone - A Quilter's Challenge (Sharon Wasteney)
March 9, 2025
Tours
"Footprints" Self-Guided Walking Tour
January 25 - March 9, 2025
Train Rides and Museum Tours at the Rockport S.A. & A.P. Depot
January 25 - March 9, 2025
Bus Tours to Taft Blackland Museum
February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8
Second Saturdays in the District
February 8, 2025
Crossroads Day in Palacios
March 1, 2025
Second Saturdays in the District
March 8, 2025
Do you have films or videotapes at your home or business? Were they filmed in Texas or made by a Texan? Have you ever thought about digitizing them?
The Texas Historical Commission and Visit Rockport are teaming up with the Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI) for the 2025 Texas Film Round-Up program, and we'll be in Rockport on February 1 to help you digitize all your old home movies...for free!