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    Pier 21 Theater

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    2100 Harborside
    Galveston, TX 77550 United States
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    Phone 409-763-8808
    Website https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/pier-21-theater

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    CONTACT US

    2002 Strand
    Galveston, TX 77550

    Phone: 409-765-7834
    E-mail Us | View Employee Directory

    ACCREDITATIONS


    INSTAGRAM

    As part of @GalvestonHistory's ongoing stewardship As part of @GalvestonHistory's ongoing stewardship of the 1892 Bishop's Palace, a mature tree was recently removed following a professional assessment. While trees are an important part of the property's landscape, they can also pose significant risks to irreplaceable historic structures, especially where hurricanes, high winds, and severe weather are a reality.

By proactively managing the landscape, we're helping protect the historic masonry, stained glass, and architectural details for generations to come. Preservation isn't only about restoring what's been damaged; it's also about preventing damage before it happens.

Thank you to @ericputnambcma_inc for completing this work with the care and expertise that a National Historic Landmark deserves.
 
#GalvestonHistory #LoveGalveston #GalvestonIsland #1892BishopsPalace
    =========== ELISSA First Mate's Log: 12 noon, Mond ===========
ELISSA First Mate's Log: 12 noon, Monday, August 3, 2026
===========
SAILING HISTORY

One crew member shouts, “Stand by to set the t’gallants aye!” in response to an officer’s command, and then turns and shouts, “On deck, stand by the t’gallant gear!” The rest of the crew calls back, “Stand by t’gallant gear aye!”, and the morning watch promptly sets more sail.

We are heading northwest towards Pensacola and taking advantage of every opportunity to sail in the light winds. The crew is a bit hardened, some would say, toughened by the weather, the sea, and the constant demands of life at sea as it would have been 150 years ago, but still, and always, enthusiastic. The call-backs, terminology, and language of nineteenth-century sailing are among the first things they learned in the ELISSA sail-training program.

The crew of the ELISSA is a unique and remarkable group of people. They are entirely volunteers. They dedicate their free time first to enrolling in and graduating from the sail training program, then to returning weekend after weekend, and often year after year, to maintain the ship and refine their skills. One of @GalvestonHistory's key missions is to preserve maritime history, and to embrace a broader vision of history. A vision that encompasses not only the artifacts themselves but also the heritage, knowledge, and traditions that together paint a vibrant picture of nineteenth-century life.

The crew might not be thinking about GHF’s mission as they haul on the braces for the next wind shift. Whether they know it or not, every bit of knowledge that the crew learns onboard this ship, every trick and skill that they pass on to their shipmates, is what keeps that history alive. 

So next time you see an ELISSA crew member, they are not only setting sail or maintaining the original iron hull; they are painting an authentic and detailed picture of what life was like long before anyone still living today can remember.

Regards,
Seth Leo

==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 4320nm
Position: 26° 12.2’ N  083° 59.5’ W
Course: 330 °M
Speed-Over-Ground: 2.5 Knots
Weather: Hot! Light west wind 3-8knts
    =========== ELISSA Captain's Log: 12 noon, Sunday, ===========
ELISSA Captain's Log: 12 noon, Sunday, August 2nd, 2026
===========
UNDERWAY

Dawn has Elissa gently riding to her anchor, as before, off Ft. Jefferson, Dry Tortugas. A delicate wind wafts across the anchorage and occasional lightning illuminates scattered rain squalls approaching from the SE.

It is time to set about getting underway. Last night’s cinematic fare was upgraded from Finding Nemo to Master and Commander, so the crew is especially pumped as they emerge on deck. The plan is to sail off the hook. Though light, the wind’s direction is favorable.

As breakfast concludes, the anchor chain is heaved back to one shot (90’). Tops’ls are loosed, and the main yards braced square. Then it’s back to the windlass, with relays pumping up chain link by link. When the anchor’s aweigh and clear, up goes the inner jib backed. The bow begins, very slowly, to fall off to starboard. The fore lower tops’l is set aback, and the wind begins to shift easterly. The bow falls off a little more then stops. We need her to fall off a good deal to clear some shallows and make our northerly course. The wind shift has us hung up. Rats! On comes the “d”sail to swing us around and get us on our way. More sail is added as we wind our way through the flats. Shortly after clearing the shoals bordering the NW Channel, we’re sailing into deep water under double tops’ls fore and main + the fore course. The engine is secured, and we’re making 5 knots. Let fall the fore course.

A happy lunchtime crew celebrates being under pure sail for the first time since crossing Massachusetts Bay on the way south. That’s a lot of motoring!

“Shrilly squeal the running sheaves, the weather gear strains,
Such a clatter of chain sheets, the devil’s in the  chains,
Over us the bright stars, under us the drowned,
A long pull, a strong pull, and we’re outward bound.”
- from ”A Valediction,” John Masefield

Photos courtesy of JB Smith.

Cheers,
Captain JB Smith

==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 4213nm
Position: 24deg 44.6’N; 82deg 53.8’W 
Course: 330M, the rhumb for Pensacola 
Speed-Over-Ground: 3kits
Weather: Sunny with haze, Hot; Wind SxW force 2
    =========== ELISSA Captain's Logs: 12 noon, Thursd ===========
ELISSA Captain's Logs: 12 noon, Thursday, July 30th - Saturday, August 1, 2026
===========
CATCHING UP

July 30 | Motoring against a light SWerly just outside the Florida reefs, we divert to Key West for needed supplies; fresh provisions, ice, and a shower head replacement, all important items for a crew of 39 coping with relentless tropical heat. It turns out that ELISSA has been in Key West before, in 1896, also to take on provisions, quite likely anchoring about where we did. By late afternoon we were underway, motoring over a silky smooth sea toward the Tortugas some 70 miles distant.

July 31 | A magical night passage. The full moon glows, casting eerie light upon an indistinct blend of sky and sea. Sunup and the dark, low profile of @drytortugasnps lines the horizon ahead. All hands aft to discuss the Plan of the Day and to hear about the fort once known as the “Gibraltar of the Gulf.” Fort Jefferson, at 1/4 mile circumference, the largest masonry fortification in the western hemisphere and an architectural marvel. Construction halted in 1875, two years before ELISSA's launch. Most famous resident—Dr. Samuel (“your name is mud”) Mudd, imprisoned after setting Wilkes Booth’s leg, later pardoned after heroic duty administering to a yellow fever epidemic at the fort. The fort and surrounding waters are now a National Park. 

August 1 | Dawn reveals a glassy sea. No wind. Increasing heat. The weather forecast holds promise for a sailing breeze, but not until tomorrow. For now, calm reigns. Shall we weigh anchor for more motoring or wait for the wind? The decision is made to wait. Tomorrow morning we’ll get underway regardless, hopefully via wind power. Then we’ll have about 400 miles to make in 4 days. Such should not be a problem for speedy ELISSA, especially should she have wind at her back.

Photos 1-3 courtesy of JB Smith, 4-6 courtesy of @outsidetheobvious.

Cheers,
Captain JB Smith

==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 4213nm
Position: 24deg 37.8’N; 82deg 52.8’W 
Course: n/a (moored)
Speed-Over-Ground: n/a (moored)
Weather: Clear, Hot, & Humid; Calm Wind
    From a Broadway Beauty to Sunset Scenes, #Galvesto From a Broadway Beauty to Sunset Scenes, #GalvestonHistory has a weekend full of history-making activities! Head to galvestonhistory.org for all the details!

FRIDAY
- Austin Gaston Live @ Galveston Historic Seaport (FREE!) | 6-8 pm
- Sunset Harbor Tour @ Galveston Historic Harbor Tour | 6:30-8:30 pm

SATURDAY
- Basement to Attic Tours @ 1892 Bishop's Palace | 11 am - 12:30 pm
- Sunset Harbor Tour @ Galveston Historic Harbor Tour | 6:30-8:30 pm
- The Princess Bride @ Hendley Green (FREE!) | Sunset
 
#GalvestonHistory #LoveGalveston #GalvestonIsland
    =========== ELISSA First Mate's Log: 12 noon, Wedn ===========
ELISSA First Mate's Log: 12 noon, Wednesday, July 29th, 2026
===========
GULF STREAM

We are southbound now, heading into the opposing Gulf Stream. The new John Deere main diesel engine is humming, its turbocharger whistling, as we try to make ground towards the southern tip of Florida and on into the Gulf.

We are 'putting miles in the bank.' With light winds on the nose and the Gulf Stream flowing against us, every mile we make under power today is a mile we won't have to fight for later when we finally do get to loose sail.

There really is nothing wrong with motoring. Life onboard goes on just the same. One of the wonderful parts of being at sea, especially on a vessel like Elissa, which takes maritime customs and traditions seriously, is the routine.

After nearly eight weeks of voyaging, the crew has their system dialed in. It comes naturally to the experienced sailors onboard, and it is quickly picked up by the newer crew. The cook announces a meal as the bell rings. Good food is always on time, and your watch relief is always there when you are ready to get some sleep. The routine is a comfort; it is a known factor in an otherwise inconsistent and unforgiving ocean.

Whenever we pass a sea buoy, outbound from a port stop, and set the at-sea watch, I can almost feel a sigh of relief pass over the crew. The days alongside in port are rewarding, but they come with thousands of visitors, maintenance lists, last-minute stove replacements, and a ditty bag full of competing priorities. Out here, most things are simplified. There is a watch to stand, a meal to share, a lookout to keep, and a ship to care for. Every person knows where they belong, and every bell marks another step closer to home.

The priority isn't always building more sea time under billowing canvas. Sometimes it's letting your crew settle back into the rhythm of life at sea and building a few good memories along the track line.

Regards,
Seth Leo

==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 4017nm
Position: 25°29.3’ N x 080°4.8’ W
Course: 190° M
Speed-Over-Ground: 6kts
Weather: Sunny, Hot, & Humid; SW wind 10 – 15 knts
    One of the most visible milestones in the 1892 Bis One of the most visible milestones in the 1892 Bishop's Palace roof restoration is now underway, with some of the final elements being installed with expert care by @r.b.hash. The pieces on top of the turret weigh about 30 pounds each and are among the last that @ludowici created for this incredible preservation project. We expect the turret cap and winged lions to be placed mid to late August, restoring one of Galveston's most recognizable landmarks for generations to come.
 
#GalvestonHistory #LoveGalveston #GalvestonIsland #1892BishopsPallace
    =========== ELISSA Port Captain's Log: 12 noon, Tu ===========
ELISSA Port Captain's Log: 12 noon, Tuesday, July 28th, 2026
===========
SCHOONIN’ SOUTH

After yesterday’s departure from Savannah, we made our turn South, headed for Cape Canaveral. With nearly 195nm since yesterday’s noon report, we have been motor-sailing with six of our nine fore ‘n’ aft sails at an average of 8.13 knots. The light contrary breeze is not conducive for proper sailing, so we’re putting miles behind us with the Iron Spanker a-thrummin’ away. The Cape is currently about 18nm off of our starboard quarter. 

One can definitely tell we’ve entered southern waters. The mats of sargassum algae have reappeared, and the color of the surrounding waters has once again shifted to their deep azure. And it is HOT. Yesterday we inflated and filled the deck swimming pool for a quick crew cool-off, and today we plan to have some seawater showers on deck. Popsicles are in frequent attendance of the afternoon watch changes. 

This evening I plan to enjoy this beautiful fair weather with a cup of tea and some soft guitar playing. 

Regards,
Port Captain Ryan Bradfield

==========
POSITIONING
==========
ELISSA at 12 noon (EDT)
Total Distance Traveled: 3831nm
Position: 28°33.3’ N x 080°14.7’ W
Course: 180° M
Speed-Over-Ground: 9.9kts
Weather: Mostly sunny, wind light & variable, sea state calm.
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    Galveston Historical Foundation
    As part of Galveston Historical Foundation's ongoing stewardship of1892 Bishop's Palace9;s Palace, a mature tree was recently removed following a professional assessment. While trees are an important part of the property's landscape, they can also pose significant risks to irreplaceable historic structures, especially where hurricanes, high winds, and severe weather are a reality.By proactively managing the landscape, we're helping protect the historic masonry, stained glass, and architectural details for generations to come. Preservation isn't only about restoring what's been damaged; it's also about preventing damagEric Putnam BCMA Inc.Thank you to Eric Putnam BCMA Inc.for completing this work with the care and expertise that a National Historic Landmark deserves. ... See MoreSee Less

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    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.

     

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      • 1892 Bishop’s Palace
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      • ———-
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      • Galveston Island Revue Weekend
      • Tall Ships® Galveston
      • The Bettie Ball
    • PRESERVATION
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      • Edward L. Protz Historic Preservation Internship
      • Architectural Salvage Warehouse
      • Galveston Historical Foundation’s African American Heritage Committee
      • Endangered List
      • Sally B. Wallace Preservation Award Honor Roll
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      • Galveston Windstorm Exemption
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