Galveston Historical Foundation

About Us
Incorporated in 1954, Galveston Historical Foundation is one of the nation's largest local preservation organizations. Over the last 50 years, the foundation has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation and stewardship of historic properties. Today, GHF has over 2,000 memberships representing individuals, families, and businesses across Texas, the US and abroad and exerts a profound impact on the culture and economy of the Island.

What We Do
The work of GHF has earned the foundation recognition by prominent state and national organizations. Among the recognized efforts are the redevelopment of The Strand; the rescue and restoration of the 1877 iron barque the ELISSA; the revitalization of historic residential neighborhoods and creation of historic districts; and the conception of signature events including Dickens on The Strand and the Galveston Historic Homes Tour. GHF has twice received the National Trust for Historic Preservation's prestigious Honor Award. In 1991, GHF was the first recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation, and in 1995, received the National Trust's first ever award for organizational excellence. The American Institute of Architects has presented GHF a Citation of Honor for its ongoing contribution to urban design and the quality of life in Galveston and in 2004, The Association for Preservation Technology International honored GHF with a Presidential Citation.

Through its innovative Preservation Resource Center (PRC) and Preservation & Conservation Services Department (PCS), GHF works to preserve and revitalize Galveston's historic neighborhoods and buildings. To accomplish this, PCS operates a salvage warehouse, several paint programs, the Incentive Grant program and a revolving real estate fund. The PRC provides the public with a research facility that offers historic property research, neighborhood information, and technical rehabilitation guidance. The PRC's educational programming includes an annual Demonstration Class Series. The PRC also serves as a preservation advocate during Galveston Landmark Commission meetings and spearheads the Heritage at Risk List.

One of three houses saved by GHF in 2004 from demolition for a Seawall hotel is moved to its new site in an historic neighborhood.

Galveston Historical Foundation serves as the steward and operator of many of Galveston's most significant historic properties. The 1838 Michel Menard House, 1839 Samuel May Williams House, 1859 Ashton Villa and Heritage Visitors Center, 1859 St. Joseph Catholic Church and 1880 Garten Verein are all managed through the Historic Properties Department. Through a management agreement with the Galveston County Historical Commission, GHF operates the Galveston County Historical Museum, located in the 1919 City National Bank Building. GHF headquarters in the 1860 United States Custom House, the oldest non-military federal building in Texas.

As a National Historic Landmark, and recognized as one of the finest ship restorations in the world, the 1877 Official Tall Ship of Texas, ELISSA, is truly one of America's treasures. However, GHF's maritime component, the Texas Seaport Museum, has grown to include not only the ELISSA, but also two other vessels, the SANTA MARIA and the SEAGULL II. Texas Seaport Museum operates from the Jesse H. Jones Building, which houses TSM's offices, a maritime museum and an immigration research center.

The 1877 barque ELISSA, restored by GHF in 1982, sails in Galveston Harbor during her annual Sea Trials, crewed by the volunteers who keep her in sailing condition.

In conjunction with TSM and the Historic Properties Department, GHF's Education Department offers youth educational programming to more than 25,000 Texas students annually. Programs include living history reenactments, architectural tours and activities, nautical archaeology and overnight sessions onboard the ELISSA.

Each year, thousands of heritage tourists learn about the mission of GHF through its events. The Foundation's two largest events are Dickens on The Strand and the Galveston Historic Homes Tour. Celebrating its 33rd anniversary in 2006, Dickens has been named one of the 100 best events in North America by tourism professionals and one of the top ten events in the state by Texas Highways Magazine. In addition, GHF also hosts the annual Sacred Places Tour, and recognizes outstanding individuals with the Spirit of ELISSA Award and the Steel Oleander Award.

Begun in 1973 as a block party to raise awareness among Galvestonians of the historic treasure represented by the then-neglected Strand, GHF's Dickens on The Strand has grown over the years to become one of the "Top Ten Festivals" in the state, according to Texas Highways magazine.

Galveston Historical Foundation continues to be a driving force in the development and enrichment of the City of Galveston. The foundation is a major voice of preservation advocacy both locally and throughout the state. GHF's many departments, programs, events, and volunteers are all dedicated to its mission: preserving and revitalizing the architectural, cultural, and maritime heritage of Galveston Island for the education and enrichment of all.