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
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, special events and more. Dickens on The Strand, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on four stages, new additions like Tiny Tim's Play Land, Shopkeeper Skills Village, and roaming characters throughout the festival. Costumed vendors peddle their wares from street stalls and rolling carts laden with holiday food and drink, Victorian-inspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items.