#3999 Go to the Port Exploreum

A few months back on Facebook I noticed a new museum, the Port Exploreum, coming to my hometown. Without knowing anything about it, I added it to the bucket list because it was in Port Washington and it's a museum. I like random museums. Turns out this one isn't so random. My parents checked it out when it first opened and informed me that Vern Biever's photos were on display through the end of October. Mom stuck the pamphlet in my stuff when I saw her and I nonchalantly showed the hubby who said we had to go. That was how I got the hubby to check out the Port Exploreum with me.

The museum itself is downtown Port and covers 3 floors. It's not huge but it's a decent size. It is very hands-on and up to date on technology. There are not a lot of physical displays but there are a lot of interactive displays.

In the basement is the Maritime display where it talks about fish in Lake Michigan, shipwrecks in Lake Michigan, and various ship captains. There is an virtual reality fishing game that teaches you about the fish and invasive species in Lake Michigan. The hubby did pretty well at the game. Me on the other hand, not so much. It was fun trying though. There is a periscope that allows you to see what's happening on the marina and it actually turns. There are some diving helmets that allow you to explore shipwrecks.

On the 1st and 2nd floors, was mostly Vern Biever's photos and dark room. Not only was he a Packer's photographer for many years, he also was a World War II photographer. Many of his never seen before photos of the war are on display. There is a video playing more photos by him and his son.

 Vern Biever's Dark Room

WWII Picture

On the second floor was also a interactive Ozaukee Press that allowed you to learn the history of Port and actual events. I read about the chair factory fire. There was also something on the different breweries. You could spend hours just reading old newspaper clips.

As we left, we talked to one of the staff who said the Maritime exhibit is permanent while the Vern Biever is temporary. They are thinking about doing exhibits on Commercial Fishing in Port and Commercial Fishing Families next. She said they plan on changing exhibits every 4 months or so.

Admission was $8 which wasn't bad for what there was. The hubby said he would go back. It's a nice museum with a great view of the lake from the deck on the 2nd floor.

The Marina from the Port Exploreum