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February 9, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Farragher
409-765-3424
Galveston Historical Foundation Renews “1900 Storm Survivor Plaque” Program
 Galveston Historical Foundation is pleased to announce new supply of popular and successful “1900 Storm Survivor Plaque” program.
On September 8, 1900, the most devastating recorded natural disaster in U.S. history struck Galveston Island, claiming 6,000 to 8,000 lives and destroying thousands of buildings. GHF first offered the “1900 Storm Survivor Plaque” in 2000, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of this storm and the fact that these buildings still stand to define the historic character of our neighborhoods.
After the 1861 Custom House was flooded in 2008 during Hurricane Ike all of the plaques in stock were lost. In 2009 GHF took the opportunity to update the previous plaques. The program proved successful and recently the last of the previous order was sold.
A slightly modified design replaces the “2000” (year of 100th anniversary) with “8 Sept.” to commemorate the date of the storm. Originally made from a plastic resin, the plaques are now being offered in durable cast bronze.
Due to the upgrade in the materials for the plaques there is also a change in the pricing from the original program. A $20 application fee covers staff time to research and verify the age of the house. This fee can be waived for a property that already has an approved original “1900 Storm Survivor Plaque” application. Once GHF staff verify the age of the property qualifying applicants may then pay the remaining $100 for their plaque, plus sales tax.
There is approximately a four- to six-week turnaround time from the time of ordering the plaques until they are delivered. Applications are available through the links at the bottom of this page or at GHF’s 1861 Custom House located at 502 20th Street. For questions please contact Matt Farragher at 409-765-3424 or matt.farragher@galvestonhistory.org.
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