Back To The Future - Strand Summer Series

Galveston Historical Foundation invites you to enjoy historic downtown Galveston for the 2025 Strand Summer Series! These movie and music nights are located in The Strand’s principal parks and feature free-to-the-public concerts and movies from April through September.

Hendley Green, 2028 Strand Street, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Galveston Historic House Specialist Continuing Education Course

Ready to level up your historic property realty sales and marketing? Presented in partnership with Galveston Association of REALTORS® and Texas REALTORS, this continuing education course familiarizes realtors with Galveston’s architecture and history, as well as the inf......More

Ready to level up your historic property realty sales and marketing? Presented in partnership with Galveston Association of REALTORS® and Texas REALTORS, this continuing education course familiarizes realtors with Galveston’s architecture and history, as well as the influences that have shaped our island’s heritage. This course provides an introduction to the basic architectural styles and forms commonly found on Galveston Island. Galveston boasts unique aspects of the built environment as a coastal community with over 150 years of development and redevelopment. The program will include an overview of historic preservation terms and processes, as well as important local, state, and federal programs that realtors may encounter. It will also address questions frequently encountered by realtors when dealing with the sale of historic properties in a hurricane zone. The overall project goal is to make all realtors more familiar with Galveston’s architecture and history, as well as the influences that have shaped our island’s heritage. Successful completion of the course will enable participants to sell and market on the island more efficiently and effectively.

Menard Hall, 3302 Avenue O, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Fact Vs. Fiction in Galveston History

Join us for a lively lunchtime lecture that separates tall tales from true history as we dive into the colorful past of Galveston Island! From pirate legends and buried treasure to the bustling days of “the Wall Street of the South,” we’ll explore what’s fact, what’s fi......More

Join us for a lively lunchtime lecture that separates tall tales from true history as we dive into the colorful past of Galveston Island! From pirate legends and buried treasure to the bustling days of “the Wall Street of the South,” we’ll explore what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what might be a little bit of both. This engaging talk offers a fun and informative look at how Galveston’s myths have shaped its identity—and how history often proves even more fascinating than folklore. Bring your curiosity (and your lunch!) for a midday journey through time.

1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, 77550, United States

Basement to Attic Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of ......More

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are limited to 20 total guests and are $40 per person. Built of stone and steel for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his family, this famous house was designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect. Bishop’s Palace is recognized as one of America’s finest examples of Victorian exuberance and Gilded-Age extravagance and is listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. The Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours are the best opportunity the public has to view all floors of the historic property.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Basement to Attic Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of ......More

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are limited to 20 total guests and are $40 per person. Built of stone and steel for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his family, this famous house was designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect. Bishop’s Palace is recognized as one of America’s finest examples of Victorian exuberance and Gilded-Age extravagance and is listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. The Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours are the best opportunity the public has to view all floors of the historic property.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Hurricane History & The 1900 Storm

The 1900 Storm remains one of Galveston’s defining moments and a touchstone for people’s understanding of the island. Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza will join in this 125th Anniversary Presentation of The Great Storm, speaking on the meteorological history of the great......More

The 1900 Storm remains one of Galveston’s defining moments and a touchstone for people’s understanding of the island. Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza will join in this 125th Anniversary Presentation of The Great Storm, speaking on the meteorological history of the greatest natural disaster in US history and its impacts in Galveston and beyond. ABOUT THE PRESENTER |Matt Lanza is the managing editor and an AMS Certified Digital Meteorologist for Space City Weather, a Houston area weather blog and The Eyewall, a national focused site that both serve hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coast residents and beyond during hurricanes, floods, freezes, and whatever else gets thrown at us. He is also the chief meteorologist at CenterPoint Energy, where he is building out a state-of-the-art weather monitoring program. For over 20 years, Matt has worked primarily in the energy industry in California and Texas, but also as a broadcast meteorologist in Upstate New York early on. Never afraid to talk about his alma mater’s most okayest sports programs, he has a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Rutgers University. Matt tries to balance all this as a husband and father of two energetic young boys. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided. This presentation will also be streamed free of charge for all Galveston Historical Foundation members as part of their #GalvestonHistory+ account. Access will start at 11:15 a.m. on September 3rd. Virtual tickets are available for guests who would like to view the livestream but who are not members. A link will be sent prior to the event with instructions on viewing.

1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, 77550, United States

Tropical Meteorology and The Oleander City

The City of Galveston is steeped in history, much of which has been shaped by the hurricanes and tropical storms that have struck the Upper Texas Coast since the city’s founding in 1839. These powerful weather events have left an indelible mark—not only on Galveston its......More

The City of Galveston is steeped in history, much of which has been shaped by the hurricanes and tropical storms that have struck the Upper Texas Coast since the city’s founding in 1839. These powerful weather events have left an indelible mark—not only on Galveston itself, but also on the evolution of tropical meteorology as a science. This presentation will explore the city’s hurricane history and highlight the critical role the region has played in advancing the meteorological knowledge and tools that have gone on to save countless lives. ABOUT CAMERON SELF | Cameron Self is a meteorologist at the Houston-Galveston National Weather Service. A native of the Carolinas, his fascination with hurricanes took root at an early age. He studied physics and meteorology at the College of Charleston and earned a Master’s degree from UNC Charlotte, focusing on tornadoes spawned by tropical systems. Cameron began his career in the private sector as a tropical meteorologist in 2014 before transitioning to public service in 2022 at the Houston-Galveston National Weather Service. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience. ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1920 City National Bank Building, 2219 Market, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

The Great Storm Open House Tour

Join Galveston Historical Foundation in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm with a special open house event at four of the island’s most historic landmarks. Guests are invited to explore these beloved locations, each of which withstood the deadliest na......More

Join Galveston Historical Foundation in commemorating the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm with a special open house event at four of the island’s most historic landmarks. Guests are invited to explore these beloved locations, each of which withstood the deadliest natural disaster in American history. This unique opportunity offers a powerful reflection on Galveston’s resilience, with each property sharing stories of survival, recovery, and the lives forever changed by The Great Storm. PARTICIPATING PROPERTIES 1892 Bishop’s Palace (1402 Broadway) **TOUR CHECK-IN**1838 Menard House (1605 33rd Street)1859 St. Joseph’s Church (2202 Avenue K)1859 Ashton Villa (2328 Broadway)1895 Moody Mansion (2618 Broadway) ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience. ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

1900 Storm Harbor Tours

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and......More

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and meticulously researched records. Part remembrance, part revelation, this tour invites you to see Galveston’s harbor the way survivors did, and to feel the resilience that still rides on the tide. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience.

Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Basement to Attic Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of ......More

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are limited to 20 total guests and are $40 per person. Built of stone and steel for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his family, this famous house was designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect. Bishop’s Palace is recognized as one of America’s finest examples of Victorian exuberance and Gilded-Age extravagance and is listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. The Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours are the best opportunity the public has to view all floors of the historic property.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Market Street Social | 125th Anniversary Event

Marking 125 years since The Great Storm, we’re bringing the community together for an evening celebrating the historic strength and resilience of the Galveston community, featuring local food pop-ups, live music, a special announcement, and more! With stories of surviva......More

Marking 125 years since The Great Storm, we’re bringing the community together for an evening celebrating the historic strength and resilience of the Galveston community, featuring local food pop-ups, live music, a special announcement, and more! With stories of survival, spirited performances, and good eats, it’s a chance to honor the past while celebrating the strength and soul of the island today. Live Music | Vendors | 1900 Storm Experience Sneak Peek | Food and Drink Pop-Ups | Merchandise | …and more!

The Depot on Market, 3304 Market, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

The 1900 Storm Trolley Tours

Climb aboard for a moving journey through Galveston’s most storied streets. This guided experience will take passengers to key locations tied to the infamous hurricane, including sites of destruction, survival, and recovery that shaped the city’s legacy. From lost neigh......More

Climb aboard for a moving journey through Galveston’s most storied streets. This guided experience will take passengers to key locations tied to the infamous hurricane, including sites of destruction, survival, and recovery that shaped the city’s legacy. From lost neighborhoods to surviving landmarks, the tour brings history to life of the storm that changed Galveston forever. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

1900 Storm Harbor Tours

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and......More

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and meticulously researched records. Part remembrance, part revelation, this tour invites you to see Galveston’s harbor the way survivors did, and to feel the resilience that still rides on the tide. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience.

Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

The 1900 Storm Trolley Tours

Climb aboard for a moving journey through Galveston’s most storied streets. This guided experience will take passengers to key locations tied to the infamous hurricane, including sites of destruction, survival, and recovery that shaped the city’s legacy. From lost neigh......More

Climb aboard for a moving journey through Galveston’s most storied streets. This guided experience will take passengers to key locations tied to the infamous hurricane, including sites of destruction, survival, and recovery that shaped the city’s legacy. From lost neighborhoods to surviving landmarks, the tour brings history to life of the storm that changed Galveston forever. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

The Great Storm Trivia Night

Please note: Weather permitting, this event will be held on the dock next to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Test your storm smarts! Join us for a trivia night dedicated to the 1900 Storm—the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. From meteorological mayhem to tales of ......More

Please note: Weather permitting, this event will be held on the dock next to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA. Test your storm smarts! Join us for a trivia night dedicated to the 1900 Storm—the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. From meteorological mayhem to tales of survival and resilience, this evening promises brain-teasing questions, surprising facts, and just the right mix of history and fun. SMARTY PINTS IS A FREE EVENT. THIS IS A PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES A BUCKET OF BEER AND A RESERVED TABLE FOR 4. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience. ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

10th Step Tours of the 1859 Ashton Villa

The 1859 Ashton Villa serves as the setting for this powerful tour highlighting The 1900 Storm’s impact on Galveston. Named after the staircase step that the floodwaters reached, these guided tours include access to the 2nd floor and offer guests a unique perspective on......More

The 1859 Ashton Villa serves as the setting for this powerful tour highlighting The 1900 Storm’s impact on Galveston. Named after the staircase step that the floodwaters reached, these guided tours include access to the 2nd floor and offer guests a unique perspective on the impact of The Great Storm. Walk the halls of this storm survivor home and hear the stories of the people and places that experienced the largest natural disaster in US history for an intimate glimpse into the storm’s legacy and the resilience of those who endured it. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience. ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, 77550, United States

10th Step Tours of the 1859 Ashton Villa

The 1859 Ashton Villa serves as the setting for this powerful tour highlighting The 1900 Storm’s impact on Galveston. Named after the staircase step that the floodwaters reached, these guided tours include access to the 2nd floor and offer guests a unique perspective on......More

The 1859 Ashton Villa serves as the setting for this powerful tour highlighting The 1900 Storm’s impact on Galveston. Named after the staircase step that the floodwaters reached, these guided tours include access to the 2nd floor and offer guests a unique perspective on the impact of The Great Storm. Walk the halls of this storm survivor home and hear the stories of the people and places that experienced the largest natural disaster in US history for an intimate glimpse into the storm’s legacy and the resilience of those who endured it. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience. ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION | Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.

1859 Ashton Villa, 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, 77550, United States

1900 Storm Harbor Tours

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and......More

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and meticulously researched records. Part remembrance, part revelation, this tour invites you to see Galveston’s harbor the way survivors did, and to feel the resilience that still rides on the tide. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience.

Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Basement to Attic Tours of the 1892 Bishop's Palace

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of ......More

Offering participants a rare look into parts of the National Historic Landmark that are typically off-limits, the 1892 Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours feature Mrs. Gresham’s studio. An exclusive third-floor view to a truly one of a kind panoramic of the Gulf of Mexico. Tickets are limited to 20 total guests and are $40 per person. Built of stone and steel for the railroad magnate Walter Gresham and his family, this famous house was designed by Nicholas Clayton, Galveston’s premier Victorian-era architect. Bishop’s Palace is recognized as one of America’s finest examples of Victorian exuberance and Gilded-Age extravagance and is listed by the U. S. Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. The Bishop’s Palace Basement to Attic Tours are the best opportunity the public has to view all floors of the historic property.

1892 Bishop’s Palace, 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

Dem Roots and Paige Lewis - Strand Summer Series

Galveston Historical Foundation invites you to enjoy historic downtown Galveston for the 2025 Strand Summer Series! These movie and music nights are located in The Strand’s principal parks and feature free-to-the-public concerts and movies from April through September.

Saengerfest Park, 2302 The Strand, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States

1900 Storm Harbor Tours

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and......More

Step aboard SEAGULL II and trace the waterfront forever reshaped by the 1900 Storm. As we cruise the harbor, you’ll hear authentic, research-driven histories of the people and places that faced the Great Storm. Each story connects today’s view to eyewitness accounts and meticulously researched records. Part remembrance, part revelation, this tour invites you to see Galveston’s harbor the way survivors did, and to feel the resilience that still rides on the tide. ABOUT THE 1900 STORM | On September 8, 1900, Galveston, Texas, was devastated by the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history when a massive hurricane made landfall on the island. With winds estimated at over 140 miles per hour and a storm surge that swallowed much of the city, the hurricane claimed the lives of more than 6,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. At the time, Galveston was a thriving port city and one of the most important commercial hubs on the Gulf Coast. The storm not only reshaped the island physically—with the construction of a seawall and the raising of the city’s elevation—but also altered its trajectory, as economic dominance shifted inland to Houston. The 1900 Storm remains a defining chapter in Galveston’s history, a somber reminder of nature’s power and the islanders’ enduring resilience.

Galveston Historic Seaport, 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, 77550, United States