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’s story is one of resilience, and the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm gives us an opportunity to honor that spirit,” says Dwayne Jones, Executive Director of Galveston Historical Foundation. “Through exhibitions, tours, lectures, and community gatherings, we’re inviting residents and visitors to reflect on the past while deepening their connection to the people and places that shaped our island’s remarkable recovery.”
Galveston Historical Foundation is marking the 125th anniversary of the Great Storm of 1900 with a series of lectures, tours, celebrations, and more that honor both the tragedy and the resilience of the community and the island’s enduring history.
SUPPORTED BY
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STORM SURVIVOR SIGN PROGRAM
Galveston’s architectural heritage is one of the island’s defining features. In recognition of the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm and the community’s resilience in the aftermath of that hurricane, Galveston Historical Foundation acknowledges storm survivor homes with a commemorative yard sign program. These signs are now available for pre-order.
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STORM SURVIVOR PLAQUE PROGRAM
Commemorating the endurance of Galveston’s historic neighborhoods, GHF offers a 1900 Storm Survivor Plaque to qualified property owners. These plaques represent a testament to the resilience of our built history and the community of people to which it still serves. The plaques are made in durable cast bronze.
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1900 STORM COMMEMORATION – MARKET STREET SOCIAL
1904 GH&H Depot, 3304 Market Street
Sat., Sept. 6 – 6-9 p.m.
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
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.
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1900 STORM MERCHANDISE
Commemorate the 125th anniversary of the 1900 Storm with a specially curated collection of merchandise that honors Galveston’s resilience and history. From limited-edition merchandise to literary classics and more, each item serves as a tribute to the island’s enduring spirit and supports ongoing preservation efforts through Galveston Historical Foundation. Available online and at GHF retail locations.
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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
From lunchtime lectures to specialized commemorative tours, learn all about The 1900 Storm through a variety of programs, events, experiences, and more. Held at many of Galveston’s most beloved sites, this exceptional roster of activities highlights the history while sharing the human-focused stories of the deadliest natural disaster in US history.
Hurricane History & The 1900 StormWed., Sept. 3 – 11:30 AM
1859 Ashton Villa
Tropical Meteorology & The Oleander CityThu., Sept. 4 – 6:00 PM
1920 City National Bank Building
The Great Storm Open House TourSat., Sept. 6 – 10:00 AM
5 Historic Homes!
1900 Storm Harbor ToursSat., Sept. 6 & 13 / Sun., Sept. 7 & 14 – 10:15 AM
Galveston Historic Seaport
1900 Storm Trolley Tours **SOLD OUT**Sun., Sept. 7 – 10:00 AM + 12:00 PM
1892 Bishop’s Palace
The Great Storm Public Memorial **FREE**Mon., Sept. 8 – 12:00 PM
1900 Storm Memorial – 49th & Seawall
The Great Storm Trivia NightThu., Sept. 11 – 6:00 PM
Galveston Historic Seaport
10th Step Tour of the 1859 Ashton VillaFri., Sept. 12 – 6:00 PM + 8:30 PM
1859 Ashton Villa
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THROUGH A NIGHT OF HORRORS BOOK CLUB
Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy
Sat., Sept. 6 – 11 a.m.
Registration Required (Click for Details)
See museum objects with unique stories and hear a presentation from author and former Rosenberg Library archivist Shelly Henley Kelly on her book, Through a Night of Horrors: Voices from the 1900 Galveston Storm. Nearly one hundred years after its landfall, the hurricane that struck Galveston Island on September 8, 1900, remains the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. In this work, witnesses to this deadly disaster describe their encounters with this monstrous storm. Shelly Henley Kelly and Casey Edward Greene’s work with these primary sources represents several years of labor in culling the Rosenberg Library’s unparalleled collection on the 1900 storm. Some of the survivor accounts included were recorded in the days and months immediately following the disaster, while others were written down after many years had passed. More than seventy dramatic photographs underscore the catastrophe.
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.
