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In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley explore intriguing artifacts from the Tremont Hotel's past, including an 1879 menu and postcards. Special guest Kathleen Maca, a historian who authored a book on the Tremont Hotel, shares fascinating insights into the hotel's rich history, its notable guests, and its connection to Galveston's historical events like the Civil War and the 1900 Storm. Discover the transformation of the Tremont Hotel over the years and learn about the Galveston County Museum's crucial role in preserving this history.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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In this episode of Unboxing History, co-hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley unbox a special artifact from the Galveston County Museum: a portrait of the pioneering meteorologist Dr. John Freeman. They discuss Dr. Freeman's contributions to meteorology, including his work with the U.S. Weather Bureau and the founding of the Weather Research Center. Special guest Dr. Hal Needham, also known as Hurricane Hal, provides expert insights into the historical weather instruments on exhibit and compares past and present meteorological practices. The episode explores the history of weather forecasting, the impact of historical storms like the 1900 Galveston Hurricane, and the importance of learning from history to prepare for future weather events. The museum features a recreated 1940s weather forecasting office and a variety of meteorological tools, underscoring the evolution of weather science.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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 Inquest Record of the 1900 Storm-

In this episode of Unboxing History, co-host Christine Hopkins and Jody Wright-Gidley, director of the Galveston County Museum, delve into the story behind an inquest record book from the Bolivar Peninsula post-1900 Storm. They discuss the history and significance of the ledger, which contains detailed descriptions of victims to aid identification after the devastating hurricane. The episode also touches on the broader context of the 1900 Storm, including Galveston's importance as a port, the impact on the community, and the efforts made for rebuilding. Listeners are invited to explore this part of the museum's exhibit, featuring the ledger, related personal artifacts, and more historical insights.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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In this episode of Unboxing History, Christine Hopkins and museum staffer Shelby Rodwell unbox a woman's bathing suit from 1890-1910 from the Galveston County Museum collection. This swimsuit is featured in a new exhibit at the Museum created by Rodwell. The podcast highlights beach-related artifacts in the exhibit and the history of segregated beaches in Galveston. Additionally, they talk about historic bathhouses, Electric Park, and beach events like the Bathing Girl Revue. The episode concludes with an invitation to visit the museum and explore its exhibits and resources. Unboxing History Podcast is presented by the Galveston County Museum.

Theme Music: 🎼G COUNTY JAZZ, Shawn Schoellkopf ©️2024

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley share a rare fire bucket from the early 1900s held in the Galveston County Museum's collection. They are joined by James Anderson, author of 'Galveston Burning: A History of the Fire Department and Major Conflagrations,' to discuss significant fires that reshaped Galveston, including the devastating 1885 fire. Anderson provides fascinating insights into early firefighting techniques, fire station history, and the importance of fire maps from the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company. The discussion highlights historic buildings lost to fire and the evolution of fire safety measures. The episode concludes with information about the museum's resources for historical research and visiting details.

Theme Music: 🎼G COUNTY JAZZ, Shawn Schoellkopf ©️2024

Chapters and Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Unboxing History

00:28 This Month's Artifact: The Fire Bucket

02:06 Interview with James Anderson: Author of Galveston Burning

03:07 Firefighting Measures and Historical Fire Maps

07:52 Historic Fires and Their Impact on Galveston

13:57 Notable Buildings Lost to Fires

17:40 The Texas City Explosion of 1947

18:36 The Role and Decline of Fire Boats

19:32 Where to Find James Anderson's Book

21:50 Resources at the Galveston County Museum

23:14 Visiting the Galveston County Museum

23:58 Conclusion

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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Unveiling the Maceos: From Immigrants to Galveston's Power Duo - Featuring Kimber Fountain, Author of "The Maceos and the Free State of Galveston, An Authorized History"

This episode of 'Unboxing History' delves into the intriguing history Galveston County, Texas, through the lens of Sam and Rose Maceo, who played a pivotal role in transforming the city in the early to mid-20th century. Hosted by Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley, the podcast unveils artifacts from the Galveston County Museum's collection, including a sealed deck of cards from the renowned Balinese Room and memorabilia from the Turf Athletic Club. Author Kimber Fountain shares the remarkable journey of the Maceo brothers from Sicilian immigrants to influential entrepreneurs in Galveston, emphasizing their rum running during Prohibition, and their lasting impact on the city's development and culture. Their legacy shaped Galveston's identity as a premium resort destination, and they created a model that influenced modern-day Las Vegas.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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Unearthing Galveston's Past: The 1900 Storm Through Thomas Edison's Lens

This episode of 'Unboxing History' features Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley, who introduce two unique films. One film was captured after the 1900 Storm by Thomas Edison’s crew, and another reel is from the early 1950s. Guest J.R. Shaw, host of Galveston Unscripted, shares insights into Thomas Edison's pioneering work in film, specifically Edison's team's efforts to document the devastation of Galveston Island shortly after the storm. The discussion also covers the technological innovations of the time, the challenges faced by Edison's crew in capturing the footage, and the cultural impact of sharing such imagery with the world. Additionally, the episode mentions another cinematic gem -- a 1950s film showcased at the Martini Movie Theater, providing a nostalgic glimpse of Galveston's community, architecture, and fashion. The episode emphasizes the importance of preserving and exploring historical footage to understand past events' impact on communities and cultural shifts Unboxing History is a podcast presented by the Galveston County Museum.

Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
For more information, 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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This episode of Unboxing History provides a detailed discussion about the history of a tamale cart once belonging to Mr. Serrato, known as Dan the Tamale Man, in Galveston. It includes interviews with a local Texas Star Bakery owner and tamale expert, Cris Chapa, and Chef Mary Bass of La Cocina Market, discussing the process of making tamales and the influence of different cultures on Galveston's food. The episode also highlights the evolution of food convenience and the impact of immigration on the island's diverse culinary scene. The tamale cart is now part of the Galveston County Museum's collection.

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