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In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley, director of the Galveston County Museum, explore the historical significance of the Galveston Movement, an immigration plan that redirected Jewish immigrants from overcrowded Ellis Island to Galveston, Texas, between 1907 and 1914. The episode features personal anecdotes from sisters Shelly Kessler and Francine Beckman, whose grandparents emigrated from Austria-Hungary as part of the Galveston Movement. The sisters share touching family stories, old photographs, and even a wedding dress from 1911. The episode also highlights the critical role played by Rabbi Henry Cohen in welcoming and assisting these immigrants. Additionally, viewers learn about the various exhibits and artifacts on display at the Galveston County Museum, as well as the museum's efforts to continue enriching its collection through community contributions.

#GalvestonMovement #Immigration #ImmigrationHistory #Texas

Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

History of the Galveston County Museum
The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

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Unboxing History: The Typewriter that Survived the 1900 Galveston Storm

In this episode of 'Unboxing History,' hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley explore the intricate history of an 1891 Oliver typewriter used by RB Spangler, a compositor for the Galveston Daily News. The discussion delves into Spangler's pivotal role during the 1900 Galveston Storm and the importance of the local newspaper in chronicling such significant events. Special guest Leonard Woolsey, the publisher of the Galveston County Daily News, joins to provide further insight into the newspaper’s historical legacy and its role in documenting the hurricane and other critical events in Texas history. You can’t talk about Texas History without The Galveston Daily News. The episode highlights the enduring relevance of local journalism and the museum’s efforts to preserve and share these fascinating stories.

Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

History of the Galveston County Museum
The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

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Join hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley as they unbox the rich history of Galveston County’s schools in this special Back to School edition of Unboxing History! Discover unique artifacts ranging from an 1885 teaching certificate to a 1920s report card, and hear the stories behind them. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Galveston’s past, this episode offers a glimpse into some unique artifacts in the museum’s collection.

Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

History of the Galveston County Museum
The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

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Follow up on Instagram