Housed in the historic City National bank Building, the Galveston Historical Museum stores a wide array of artifacts and exhibits that are dedicated to educating visitors about the history and heritage of Galveston County while also encouraging them to participate in its restoration and revival.
Of the collection of exhibits that are displayed in the Galveston County Historical Museum, the City National Bank Building is considered to be the most noteworthy. Built in 1921 by the famous Galveston businessman, William Lewis Moody Jr., the building is one of the oldest in the region. You can also view an outstanding exhibit titled 'A City on Stilts: Galveston, 1902 — 1912' which consists of an array of photographs by legendary photographer Zeva Bradshaw Edworthy. This exhibit details the rebuilding of the city after it was struck by the devastating hurricane of 1900. You can also find several artifacts including clothing, household items and even the causeway planks that were erected as walkways through the city, earning it is moniker of 'The City on Stilts'. You will also find a collection of photographs which documents the efforts of the people of Galveston to protect it from the destructive storm surges which the region is prone to.
The Museum also conducts several events throughout the year which include the annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. This tour guides participants through the various restoration projects that the museum has undertaken which range from sacred landmarks to craftsman-style bungalows. Children will delight in the host of activities and interactive workshops that the museum conducts. They can learn the nuances of the science of ornithology and also take an interactive environmental tour through Galveston to inculcate in them the spirit of scientific exploration and curiosity. They can even participate in a 30 minute long scavenger hunt that teaches them more about the historic port of Galveston.
The most renowned of all the events that the Museum conducts is the annual 'Dickens on the Strand' holiday festival where characters are plucked right out from Dickens' novels and planted on the streets of Galveston. Here, you can expect to find the Queen waving down at you while smartly outfitted 'bobbies' patrol the streets. You can even indulge in the food and entertainment that were typical of that period.
The Galveston County Historical Museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 pm on Sunday.
For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.galvestonhistory.org or call the museum at (409) 766-2340.
The Galveston Historical Museum
2219 Market Street
Galveston TX 77550-1503
