Texas Seaport Museum | Galveston

The Texas Seaport Museum, located at 2200 Harborside Drive in Galveston, Texas, is a key institution for exploring the maritime heritage of Galveston and its role in global seafaring history. This museum is especially well-known for housing ELISSA, an 1877 three-masted barque, which is one of the oldest active sailing vessels in the United States.

Key Highlights of the Museum

1. Tall Ship ELISSA

History and Restoration: ELISSA was built in Scotland in 1877 and has a rich history of sailing across the world's oceans. After serving as a commercial vessel for over a century, the ship was abandoned in a scrapyard in Greece. It was then rescued and brought to Galveston in 1977, where it underwent an extensive restoration by the Galveston Historical Foundation.

Significance: ELISSA is now a National Historic Landmark, making it one of the most significant preserved historical vessels in the country. Visitors can explore the ship, experiencing life on a tall ship from the late 19th century and seeing how sailors lived and worked aboard such a vessel.

2. Immigration Exhibit

Galveston's Role as the "Ellis Island of the West": Galveston was a key port of entry for immigrants arriving in the United States, especially from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. Over 130,000 immigrants passed through this port, and the museum features an exhibit that details their stories and the historical context of their arrivals.

Passenger Database: A searchable database at the museum allows visitors to trace their family history and find out whether their ancestors arrived through Galveston. This makes the museum a valuable resource for genealogical research related to immigration.

3. Maritime Artifacts

Ship Models and Tools: The museum's collection includes a variety of maritime artifacts, such as model ships, antique navigational tools, and other equipment used by sailors and ships during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These objects provide insight into the technologies and practices that helped to shape maritime history.

Photographs and Documents: The museum displays historical photographs that depict the evolution of Galveston as a bustling port city. This includes images of the Texas Navy and the area's maritime trade routes, reflecting the economic and military importance of Galveston in American history.

4. Documentary Film

The museum also features a 17-minute documentary film titled Passage to Galveston. This film focuses on the dramatic rescue and restoration of ELISSA. It explores the ship's journey from being a deteriorating relic to a restored, active vessel. The film provides historical context about the ship's construction and its significance to maritime culture, as well as showcasing the painstaking restoration process.

Visitor Experience

Hours of Operation: The Texas Seaport Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.

Admission Fees:

Adults (19+): $12

Youth (6-18): $9

Children under 5: Free

The museum also offers a Seaport Package for $20 (Adults) or $15 (Youth), which includes admission to the museum, the ELISSA, and a harbor tour.

Galveston Historical Foundation members can enjoy free admission.

Additional Features

Harbor Tours: In addition to the exhibits inside the museum, visitors can take a guided harbor tour aboard the Seagull II, a boat that offers views of the Galveston Bay, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the area’s maritime activity.

Event Venue: The museum and ELISSA ship are also available for private events such as weddings and receptions. The historic setting of the ship and the museum’s facilities makes it a picturesque and unique venue for such occasions.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550

Phone: (409) 763-1877

The Texas Seaport Museum serves not only as an educational venue but also as a cultural center where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the maritime history of Galveston. Whether it’s through the exploration of the towering ELISSA or the immigration exhibit that highlights Galveston’s crucial role in American history, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the city’s seafaring past. The blend of interactive exhibits and historical artifacts makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the maritime heritage of Texas and the United States.