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.

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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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