The models on display at the Houston Maritime Museum never fail to enlighten, educate and entertain visitors. These models continue to appeal to both children and adults as they bring maritime history to life by conjuring thoughts of the romance of the high seas in the days of the sailing ship, stirring reflections on the exploits of famous warships and highlighting the skills of the model builders who spent countless hours perfecting their every detail.

Ship models have been built throughout history for a variety of functions including devotional uses in churches, works of art for rich patrons, aids in ship building design and finally as a hobby for modern-day model builders. Regardless of their original purpose, these models provide a unique window into the evolution of ship building.

Join Houston Maritime Museum docent Charlie Cozewith as he shares the rich history of ship modeling from the first 3,500-year-old models found in Egyptian tombs to the modern practices of today, and discover how a modeler turns a pile of wood into a work of art.