A sign that is on the side of a building.

Galveston County Museum the ‘grandmother’s attic’ of the Island 

By Forest Riggs 

Do you ever think about the old treasures that are stored in dusty attics around the country? Folks like to hang on to things, especially keepsakes that contain a story or hold great value and meaning, all tucked away in the quiet darkness of an attic space or unused closet. 

One of the best semi-hidden treasures on Galveston Island is within the old Galveston County Courthouse, located at 722 Moody at 21st Street. There, a massive collection of more than 22,000 items are housed in displays and storage facilities in this state-of-the art museum, a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. 

Over many past decades the museum and its vast collection have been housed at various locations around the downtown area, starting with the historic Moody Bank building as well as in the Shearn Moody Plaza (old train depot) and finally in its current location near the tax offices inside the old courthouse.  

And what a treasure it is!  

Most people visit the building several times a year to pay taxes, renew license plates or perform other civic duties. Everyone notices a few items from the collection, carefully placed around the lobby, like an antique tamale vending cart, a giant metal anchor, a few vintage photos and even one of the last crystal lenses from the old Galveston Lighthouse. What many people don’t know is further down the way is a magnificent glimpse into the history and story of Galveston — and admission is free!  

When folks think of a museum, an entrance fee is usually involved, however, this is not the case with the Galveston County Museum. Such a fine treasure is, in a sense, a hidden jewel for locals and visitors alike. There is ample parking and, unlike many locations downtown, it is free, as well! 

Jodi Wright-Gidley, local historian and author of A City on Stilts has been at the helm of the museum for many years. Trained in museum sciences, exhibit design and interpretation, Wright-Gidley has lovingly overseen and directed the museum forward to its present status that competes equally with any major museum in the country. The collections and exhibits are filled with donated historical artifacts that have been stored in homes, attics, schools and libraries, only to find their most rewarding destination: this museum.  

The very well-designed exhibits include artifacts, photographs, stories of the 1900 Storm, county military history, cornerstones, historical architecture and much more.  There are exhibits depicting the huge role Galveston Island played in early immigration, early photography, corner stores, commerce, pirates and gambling and even items revealing the pre-history and early Native American Galveston residents. 

A leisure stroll through the museum is like a trip through time, complete with excellent interpretation and printed materials to make the visit more educational.  

“We are so proud of this museum and the collection it houses,†says Wright-Gidley, “The items we maintain and present in the beautiful and informative displays offer our visitors a real glimpse into the history of the island, so much more than just a book can convey.†

The storage rooms are filled with documents, books, art, statues and just about anything one can imagine that was part of the developing island, socially and economically.  

“We love the donated items and will take anything as long as we are able to house it and care for it properly,†states Wright-Gidley. “One of my favorite pieces among the many is the detailed coroner’s logbook from the 1900 Storm. It is amazing to read the notes and details entered into the book. You get such a feeling for the immensity and toll of the storm — lives lost and so much devastation.† 

With Mardi Gras just around the corner, Wright-Gidley and her volunteers are busy preparing a colorful exhibit of vintage Mardi Gras costumes and items associated with the festive holiday. It appears that Galvestonians are very generous and eager to share their family treasures and heirlooms with the public. 

The museum is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Again, there is no charge! Thursday and Fridays are available for tour groups, educational programs, classes and other activities such a book signings and demonstrations. 

“We are hoping to develop some educational programs for schools and interested groups, as well as resource kits to share upon request,†says Wright-Gidley.  

Whether you are paying your taxes, renewing a registration or visiting from another city, you owe it to yourself to continue down the hall and enter this fascinating museum. In a time when everyone charges for any and everything that seems enjoyable, this jewel is free and waiting for your visit. Check it out.  

Private tours and research appointments are available. Visit www.GalvestonCountyHistory.org or call 409-766-2340 for more information. 

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. He has recently published a collection his works, Galveston & Related Stories. For more information and ordering, see ForestRiggs.com. 

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By Forest Riggs 

Do you ever think about the old treasures that are stored in dusty attics around the country? Folks like to hang on to things, especially keepsakes that contain a story or hold great value and meaning, all tucked away in the quiet darkness of an attic space or unused closet. 

One of the best semi-hidden treasures on Galveston Island is within the old Galveston County Courthouse, located at 722 Moody at 21st Street. There, a massive collection of more than 22,000 items are housed in displays and storage facilities in this state-of-the art museum, a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. 

Over many past decades the museum and its vast collection have been housed at various locations around the downtown area, starting with the historic Moody Bank building as well as in the Shearn Moody Plaza (old train depot) and finally in its current location near the tax offices inside the old courthouse.  

And what a treasure it is!  

Most people visit the building several times a year to pay taxes, renew license plates or perform other civic duties. Everyone notices a few items from the collection, carefully placed around the lobby, like an antique tamale vending cart, a giant metal anchor, a few vintage photos and even one of the last crystal lenses from the old Galveston Lighthouse. What many people don’t know is further down the way is a magnificent glimpse into the history and story of Galveston — and admission is free!  

When folks think of a museum, an entrance fee is usually involved, however, this is not the case with the Galveston County Museum. Such a fine treasure is, in a sense, a hidden jewel for locals and visitors alike. There is ample parking and, unlike many locations downtown, it is free, as well! 

Jodi Wright-Gidley, local historian and author of A City on Stilts has been at the helm of the museum for many years. Trained in museum sciences, exhibit design and interpretation, Wright-Gidley has lovingly overseen and directed the museum forward to its present status that competes equally with any major museum in the country. The collections and exhibits are filled with donated historical artifacts that have been stored in homes, attics, schools and libraries, only to find their most rewarding destination: this museum.  

The very well-designed exhibits include artifacts, photographs, stories of the 1900 Storm, county military history, cornerstones, historical architecture and much more.  There are exhibits depicting the huge role Galveston Island played in early immigration, early photography, corner stores, commerce, pirates and gambling and even items revealing the pre-history and early Native American Galveston residents. 

A leisure stroll through the museum is like a trip through time, complete with excellent interpretation and printed materials to make the visit more educational.  

“We are so proud of this museum and the collection it houses,†says Wright-Gidley, “The items we maintain and present in the beautiful and informative displays offer our visitors a real glimpse into the history of the island, so much more than just a book can convey.†

The storage rooms are filled with documents, books, art, statues and just about anything one can imagine that was part of the developing island, socially and economically.  

“We love the donated items and will take anything as long as we are able to house it and care for it properly,†states Wright-Gidley. “One of my favorite pieces among the many is the detailed coroner’s logbook from the 1900 Storm. It is amazing to read the notes and details entered into the book. You get such a feeling for the immensity and toll of the storm — lives lost and so much devastation.† 

With Mardi Gras just around the corner, Wright-Gidley and her volunteers are busy preparing a colorful exhibit of vintage Mardi Gras costumes and items associated with the festive holiday. It appears that Galvestonians are very generous and eager to share their family treasures and heirlooms with the public. 

The museum is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Again, there is no charge! Thursday and Fridays are available for tour groups, educational programs, classes and other activities such a book signings and demonstrations. 

“We are hoping to develop some educational programs for schools and interested groups, as well as resource kits to share upon request,†says Wright-Gidley.  

Whether you are paying your taxes, renewing a registration or visiting another city, you owe it to yourself to continue down the hall and enter this fascinating museum. In a time when everyone charges for any and everything that seems enjoyable, this jewel is free and waiting for your visit. Check it out.  

Private tours and research appointments are available. Visit www.GalvestonCountyHistory.org or call 409-766-2340 for more information. 

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. He has recently published a collection of his works, Galveston & Related Stories. For more information and ordering, see ForestRiggs.com. 

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