The Houston Maritime Center (HMC), formerly Houston Maritime Museum, is a museum and education center whose mission is to “inspire knowledge of the maritime world.” Founded in 2000 by Merchant Mariner and Marine Architect Jim Manzolillo, the museum has grown from a small residential building in the Museum District of Houston to a 3,000 square foot gallery in Houston’s East End. Houston Maritime Center provides education programs to people of all ages and focuses on workforce development and middle-school educational opportunities. HMC’s gallery covers maritime exploration, the age of sail, the transition to steam power, ocean liners, WWII merchant marine, modern oil and gas, the Houston Ship Channel, and the history of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou. HMC welcomes school groups, senior groups, scouts, and individuals for docent-guided tours, as well as hosting many events including lectures, industry professional networking events, and fundraising events.