VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Welcome to Texas Seaport Museum, a project of Galveston Historical Foundation. Share the adventure of the high seas at the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship Elissa. Explore the decks of this floating National Historic Landmark which has also been designated one of America's Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Walk Elissa's decks and imagine the days when daring sailors challenged the world's oceans. In the adjacent museum and theater, witness the story of Elissa's dramatic rescue from the scrap yard and her meticulous restoration.

Located in the historic port of Galveston, the Texas Seaport Museum also tells the story of a rich legacy of seaborne commerce and immigration. Look for ancestors with a one-of-a-kind computer database containing the names of more than 133,000 immigrants who entered the United States through Galveston, "'The Ellis Island of the West"'. Join the Museum's staff and volunteers as they bring the past to life through special exhibits and educational programs.

All of Elissa and portions of the museum is open to the public at a discounted rate -

Film: Passage to Galveston: The Story of Elissa, is presented continuously onboard the Elissa. This 17-minute, award-winning documentary beautifully tells the story of Elissa's discovery, purchase and restoration. Entrance to the film is included in the Elissa admission price.

1937 Shrimp Boat Santa Maria: Gold From the Sea Exhibit
The Gold from the Sea exhibit shows the history, industry and ecology of Gulf Coast shrimping. The exhibit includes items from the 1937 Santa Maria shrimp boat owned by GHF’s Texas Seaport Museum, as well as a display of early photography of the Galveston shrimping fleet. Texas Seaport Museum is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm.

Galveston’s the Elissa: Tall Ship of Texas
Galveston’s the Elissa: Tall Ship of Texas is a display from Kurt Voss’ book of never before published photographs. The images display Elissa’s history from her very early voyages to current programs, events and annual daysails. The pictures were chosen not only for their historical significance, but also for the quality and clarity of the photography.

In conjuncture with the photography exhibit, Jim Brink is making a new suit of sails for Elissa in the main gallery using traditional tools. Brink’s mastery of this rare trade has led him to create sails for movie, replica and historical sailing vessels, including 19 new sails for Elissa.

PIER 21 THEATER - The Great Storm
The powerful, panoramic documentary, The Great Storm, recreates the turning point in Galveston history: the 1900 hurricane. Experience the devastation of the deadliest natural disaster in United States history through eyewitness accounts, historic photographs and dramatic sound and visual effects.

A major center of commerce, with a population of 40,000 at the turn of the century, Galveston was the most important seaport in Texas and poised for greatness in the new century. Then, on September 8, 1900, came a hurricane of such fury it drove an angry ocean before it, covering the island from Gulf to Bay and laying waste to the city by the sea.

Now, in an amazing and powerful show, the story of The Great Storm has been captured for all time as a tribute to Galveston’s indomitable spirit.

Admission includes self-guided tours of the Texas Seaport Museum and Elissa, a theater presentation and access to the Galveston Immigration Database.