Sunday, February 19, 2023
1-2 p.m.
$20 per person
In 1840, the Galveston City Company founder, Michel Menard, hosted the first masquerade ball on the island, most probably, as a housewarming. History was made on March 26, 1856, as the first Mardi Gras ball in Galveston was held at the house. The Galveston News reported the next day that over 300 guests attended and that the “party began early and lasted til late,” with every single room overtaken by the revelers. Join GHF for a guided tour of the home and property and learn more about the start of one of Galveston’s most beloved traditions!
Sunday, February 26
1-2 p.m.
$20 per person
Galveston Island played a significant part in the history of Texas’ independence from Mexico and the formation of the Republic of Texas. Michele Menard, the owner of the Menard House, was a delegate to the Texas Convention of 1836 and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico. In 1840, he served Galveston County in the lower house of the legislature of the Republic of Texas. Join #GalvestonHistory for a tour of the property and walk through the history of the early days of the state’s formation.
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.
