Houston Maritime Center & Museum Celebrates Grand Reopening Gala and Prepares to Launch New Location on Buffalo Bayou East River

"Houston's roots along Buffalo Bayou anchor Texas's strong global maritime ties. Gulf Coast maritime commerce drives economic growth and opportunity, and the Houston Maritime Center & Museum serves as a trusted resource and educational bridge between the maritime industry and the public," said Sara Howell, Board Chair.

CLICK HERE to view the gallery of photos from our gala!

HOUSTON, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After 25 years of preserving and celebrating maritime history, the Houston Maritime Center & Museum is preparing to open the doors to its brand-new home along Buffalo Bayou East River Development. With sweeping views of downtown and proximity to The Buffalo Bayou Partnership's new Hike and Bike trail extension, the new location represents an exciting next chapter for the organization. 

To mark this milestone, the museum hosted its Grand Reopening Gala at Le Tesserae on June 18, welcoming over 300 of its dedicated donors and partners including honored guests: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, Councilwoman Sallie and George Alcorn, Kelly Waterman (representing Senator Ted Cruz), Jay Guerrero (representing Senator John Cornyn), Judge Ed Emmett, Tom Tellepsen and Howard Tellepsen (Tellepsen) Brad and Claudia Freels (Midway), Charlie and Kelly Jenkins and John Moseley (Port Houston), Captain Clint and Stephany Winegar, J.J. and Lori Plunkett and Captain Matt Glass (Houston Pilots), Brad and Sara Howell, Frances Castaneda Dyess and John Dyess (East End Chamber of Commerce), Vincent and Francine DiCosimo (Targa), Greg and Mona DeLong (Enterprise Products), Philip and Joy Kuebler (Bay-Houston Towing), Kirk Jackson (Suderman & Young Towing), Johnny and Sydney Sullivan (Callan Marine), Jason and Jennifer Smith (Chevron Shipping), Yasuhiro Suzuka (MOL), Ed Carr (Retired MOL Group), Captain Bill and Annette Diehl, Derrick and Cherina Thomas (Fillette-Green), Shareen Larmond (WGMA), Jim and Rhonda Dillman (Enstructure), Ruthie Porterfield, Dick Gessinger, Maria Ciliberti (Vopak), Brian and Maria Posthumus, Marco and Joyce Poisler (UTC Overseas), Jan Hagen Anderson (DNV), Roy Bleiberg (ABS), Captain Peter Liew (AET), Trey Taylor (Matthews Brothers Dredging), Pat and Pam Cooney, Niels and Charlotte Aulund, Robert and Jo Ann Fry, Mike Dumas, Peter Fitzpatrick, Bob and Joyce Diamond, and Ernie Manouse (PBS/NPR).

It was a memorable evening of celebration, connection, and a first look at the new space—highlighted by the announcement of our new President, Margaret Kidd. The event marked the culmination of over two years of planning and construction, made possible by $1.5 million in capital campaign contributions and the dedication of the Board of Directors, led by Chair Sara Howell, and the museum team now under Kidd's leadership.

Kidd brings two decades of experience in maritime education, logistics, and public-private partnerships. She is known for her leadership at the University of Houston's Supply Chain & Logistics Technology program and brings a deep knowledge of the maritime industry as well as a passion for community impact. As a globally sought after and recognized thought leader, Kidd has appeared on Bloomberg TV, CNBC, FOX Business, BBC World News, NPR, and has been featured in the Washington Post, Houston Business Journal, Business Insider, MarketWatch, Axios, The Hill and more regularly proving commentary on areas such as supply chain, trade, tariffs, labor negotiations, geopolitical risk, ports and energy transition. Her appointment marks a significant step forward as the museum expands its mission and reach.

"Enhancing visibility and connectivity at the Houston Maritime Center & Museum will be a key focus," said Kidd. "As a global hub for maritime discovery, the Museum connects communities and diverse stakeholders through its core pillars—Collection, Education, and Connection—positioning it as a vital resource for visitors of all ages."

The new museum features expanded exhibit space, a dedicated Learning Center, a curated gift shop, and community gathering areas that support events, lectures, and educational programming.

Talk to Margaret Kidd about our new location.

The official opening date is anticipated for late summer, and the final touches are well under way. The museum plans to welcome visitors in the coming weeks with interactive exhibits, educational programming, and events that inspire curiosity across generations.

"I'm excited to be part of Houston's past, present, and future as we set sail to our new location," remarks Kidd. "The city's renewed focus on reconnecting with the waterfront—through projects like East River—makes it especially meaningful to join a hub of maritime activity alongside Port Houston and companies like Suderman & Young Towing."

To book an interview with Margaret Kidd for expert insights on deciphering maritime news of the day and to tour the new museum, please contact Amy Nelson at [email protected].

For updates on the public opening, membership, or ways to get involved, visit www.houstonmaritime.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @houstonmaritime.

SOURCE Houston Maritime Center & Museum