Galveston County Museum

06/24/2026

Buongiorno Galveston County!

Yesterday was a busy day for the Galveston County Museum as we were visited by the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for their yearly visit and preparation of the 69th annual Festa Di San Giovanni Battista.

Not only does this event take place in Galveston, but also back home in Sicily! It is a grand event that takes place in the fishing village of Aci Trezza and has been taking place since the late 1800's when a sudden massive storm overtook several local fishermen. Seeing the danger they faced, the villagers prayed for San Giovanni to bring the men home safely. After the fisherman's safe return, they committed to celebrate San Giovanni Battista every June.

Decades later, four village girls faced the dangers of fascism, war, and the N**i occupation of Italy. Mattea Capmenello, Lucia Fichera, Grace Lofaro, and Angelina Tropea, prayed to San Giovanni for help. By 1956, all four girls were safe, with their families as immigrants in Galveston. These women worked to have an Italian sculptor carve a statue of San Giovanni Battista for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston.

The shrine featured in the images below was built by Mr. S. "Buster" Lafaro over three years. It is a replica of the one in Aci Trezza, Sicily!

After the event takes place it is carefully dismantled and brought back to the Galveston County Museum where we watch over it until the next celebration. So it is available to admire all year long in our safe keeping as we have for so many years!

If you would like to participate in the event you can check out the official Facebook link here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/sacred-heart-catholic-church/the-69th-annual-festa-di-san-giovanni-battista/950683811037600/

06/22/2026

The Galveston County Museum is proud to present an exclusive interview with Master Ismael Robles, one of Galveston's most respected martial artists, community leaders, and cultural figures.

For decades, Master Robles has inspired generations through his dedication to martial arts, mentorship, and service to the community. His story is deeply connected to the history of Galveston and the lives of countless individuals he has impacted throughout the years.

This rare opportunity allowed the museum to sit down with a true Galveston legend and preserve his experiences, memories, and reflections for future generations. During this exclusive interview, Master Robles shares insights into his life, career, and the lessons he has learned throughout his remarkable journey.

At the Galveston County Museum, preserving history means preserving the stories of the people who helped shape our community. We are honored to share this conversation with you.

Watch the full interview below and hear directly from a living piece of Galveston history.

06/18/2026

Although the Galveston County Museum will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth, history doesn't have to stay behind closed doors!

Whether you're attending Juneteenth celebrations across Galveston, traveling, or simply relaxing at home, take a piece of local history with you by listening to our award-winning Unboxing History podcast wherever you go.

In this episode, Executive Director Jodi Wright-Gidley and local historian Sam Collins III explore a fascinating World War I-era poster commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation, discuss Galveston's connection to Juneteenth, and examine how history continues to shape our community today.

🎧 Listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLYJnYMw56Y

While our doors may be closed for the holiday, the stories of Galveston County are always waiting to be discovered.

Happy Juneteenth from the Galveston County Museum! ❤️💙

Galveston’s Pictorial Legacy of JuneteenthIn this episode of Unbo...

06/15/2026

The Galveston County Museum will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth as we join our community in commemorating this important day in American history.

While our doors will be closed, there is no shortage of opportunities to celebrate, learn, and reflect throughout Galveston. From historical presentations and cultural programs to parades, live music, and community gatherings, Juneteenth events across the island honor Galveston's unique role as the birthplace of Juneteenth.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of the many events happening throughout the week and especially on June 19. Whether you're attending the Juneteenth Proclamation Reading at Ashton Villa, enjoying the Juneteenth Parade & Picnic, exploring local museums, or experiencing one of the many educational programs featured in this guide, there are countless ways to celebrate freedom, history, and community.

The Galveston County Museum will reopen during our next scheduled operating hours, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Happy Juneteenth, Galveston! ❤️💙

06/12/2026

We have the Texas exhibit for America250!
Texas State Library and Archives Commission

06/10/2026

🔐 Looking for a unique adventure this summer?

Step inside the Galveston County Museum and put your detective skills to the test with our Padlock Mystery Game! Search for clues hidden throughout the museum, solve puzzles, unlock lock boxes, and work together to crack the mystery.

Located inside the historic Galveston County Courthouse and just minutes from The Strand, the Padlock Mystery Game is a fun activity for families, friends, date nights, and anyone looking for something a little different.

Plus, you'll enjoy:
❄️ Ice-cold air conditioning to escape the summer heat
🚗 Free parking
🏛️ Exclusive access to explore the museum as part of the experience

Whether you're a local resident or visiting Galveston for the day, the Padlock Mystery Game offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience local history while having fun.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Call 409-766-2340 to schedule your Padlock Mystery Game today.

Can you solve the mystery?

06/10/2026

🌊👻 What really happened during the Great Storm of 1900?

Join the Galveston County Museum and Spooky Galveston for a fascinating journey into one of the most significant events in Texas history. Through stories, historical accounts, and local insights, you'll learn about the storm that forever changed Galveston and the people who lived through it.

This unique talk and tour experience explores the history, impact, and lasting legacy of the Great Storm while providing a deeper look at Galveston's past through the lens of those who witnessed it firsthand.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, longtime resident, visitor, or simply curious about Galveston's most infamous event, this is an experience you won't want to miss.

🎟️ Reserve your spot today:
https://www.galvestoncountyhistory.org/event

History can be fascinating. Sometimes, it's even a little spooky.

We'll see you at the Galveston County Museum—where we're always unboxing history.

06/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQ2Qf89eP/

Have you been looking for us? Want to purchase a signed copy? This is what we have coming up on our calendar.

Note: Galveston County Museum is hosting a Listen and Learn lunch event on Friday, July 10. If you missed us at Grownup Storytime at Moody Mansion with the Authors of Secret Galveston, here is your chance to hear us share the behind the scenes stories. Thanks

06/08/2026

🎲 What happens when history, chance, and Galveston County collide?

This week, we're highlighting a unique artifact from a chapter of local history that many people don't realize existed. Long before the casinos of today, Galveston County was known for entertainment, nightlife, and gambling establishments that attracted visitors from across the region.

Among the artifacts preserved at the Galveston County Museum is an authentic gambling wheel from a former club in Dickinson. Even more remarkable, the museum also houses the wheel's original wooden storage case—a rare piece that has survived alongside the artifact itself.

Objects like these help us tell the stories of the people, businesses, and communities that helped shape Galveston County over the decades. They remind us that history isn't always found in major events—it can also be found in the everyday places where people gathered, worked, and made memories.

🎥 Check out this week's episode of Unboxing History to learn more about this fascinating artifact and the era it represents.

💬 What piece of Galveston County history would you like to learn more about? Let us know in the comments!

06/05/2026

🏆 Artifact of the Week 🏆

This week's featured artifact is a crown and matching costume from Galveston's 1979 Treasure Ball!

Inspired by the classic musical Carousel, this stunning ensemble represents the creativity, tradition, and pageantry that have long been part of Galveston's Mardi Gras celebrations.

The princess that year was Terry Lee Jahn, accompanied by Prince Paulo Dello Ioio. What makes this artifact especially memorable is that their story didn't end at the ball—they later married, turning a royal Mardi Gras appearance into a real-life love story.

Artifacts like these help preserve the stories, memories, and traditions that connect our community across generations. History isn't just about events—it's about the people who lived them.

Have you attended a Galveston Mardi Gras event over the years? We'd love to hear your favorite memories in the comments below!

Visit the Galveston County Museum to see this beautiful piece of local history for yourself.