Yolanda Cruz
Shrimp season is in full swing on the Gulf Coast, and one of Jackson County’s homages to shrimping comes in the form of the Scranton Museum.
“The Scranton Museum is a 70’ shrimp boat that was operational in the 1960s and ’70s,” said Kristi Ducote, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the City of Pascagoula. “In the early 80’s, Charles Graham down sized his fleet and donated the boat to the city.”
Now, visitors are able to explore this authentic boat, its net system and turtle excluder device (TED).
“Visitors can explore the deck fully equipped with outriggers, shrimp nets and a turtle excluder device,” Ducote said. “Inside the boat they will see the wheelhouse house with navigational equipment that would have been used at the time the boat was operational, the galley, bunkroom, and wetlands diorama. It allows people to learn about the local shrimping industry and see firsthand a once operational shrimping boat.”
Between 500-1,000 people visit the museum annually, with late spring and early summer being the busiest times of year.
For anyone hoping to visit, the Scranton Museum is located at River Park in Pascagoula. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children
