To serve as GHF’s board president is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility that ties me directly to the story of a city that is one of change, resilience, and reinvention.
Galveston’s history isn’t quiet. It is not subtle. It is the echo of cannon fire at Fort Travis, the bustle of The Strand in its golden age, and the silent courage of survivors in the wake of the 1900 storm. We are all custodians of those echoes. And if we do our jobs well, they will never fall silent.
I’d like first to recognize the remarkable leadership of my predecessors, Cesar Herdandez and those who came before him, whose dedication has strengthened this organization’s foundations. Under their guidance, we’ve seen the restoration of historic buildings, the expansion of educational programs, and a renewed commitment to sharing the lesser-known chapters of our city’s past—the voices of immigrants, freedmen, dockworkers, and dreamers who shaped the character of this island. GHF’s staff, under the outstanding leadership of Dwayne Jones, is hardworking, talented, and they are premier individuals in their fields. Thank you all for everything you do.
I take on this role with three guiding principles: preservation, participation, and perspective.
Preservation, of course, is our cornerstone, but that is not all. It’s about keeping history alive, relevant, and accessible. It’s about maintaining the architectural legacy of Ashton Villa and Bishop’s Palace—but also about preserving oral histories, cultural rituals, photographs, and letters. These are the things that make memories tangible.
Participation means opening doors—literally and figuratively. We must ensure that GHF is not a gatekeeper but a gateway. That every person on the island can walk into our buildings and see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.
And finally, perspective. Galveston has lived many lives: a port city, a haven for immigrants, a center of commerce, a place of tragedy and rebirth. We must be brave enough to tell all of it: the grandeur and the injustice, the triumph and the loss. Only then do we truly honor what came before us.
There is work ahead. There are buildings to save and secure, archives to digitize, and gaps in the record to fill. There are still stories waiting for the dignity of attention.
Together, let’s ensure that Galveston’s stories aren’t just remembered—they’re lived, shared, and carried forward.
I look forward to working with the staff and the outstanding board you have selected. Thank you for your support and active participation.
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 seventy years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, museum development, and heritage tourism. 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 continues to lead on local, state, and national levels with research-driven programs that build awareness of preservation’s role in cultural identity and stewardship across generations.
