History
Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) 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. Today, GHF has over 2,000 memberships representing individuals, families, and businesses across Texas, the US and abroad and exerts a profound impact on the culture and economy of the Island. The work of GHF has earned the foundation recognition by prominent state and national organizations. Among the recognized efforts are the redevelopment of The Strand; the rescue and restoration of the 1877 iron barque the Elissa; the revitalization of historic residential neighborhoods and creation of historic districts; and the conception of signature events including Dickens on The Strand and the Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Specialties
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for youth ages 6-18, and free for children 5 and under. See Galveston Harbor up close aboard Seagull II on the Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch, Texas Seaport Museum's 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel. Fast, stable and sheltered, she was built specifically for harbor sight-seeing excursions and education and is a perfect platform for waterborne experiential learning. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard certified and her operators are fully licensed and knowledgeable about the history and lore of her home waters. Seagull II offers soft drinks and bottled water for sale and has a comfortable main deck, sheltered from sun and rain. An open upper deck affords a full panorama of water and sky.