GHF Homes Tour Returns to Galveston Isle This May

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) has been at the heart of an extraordinary preservation

movement on the island for more than 50 years. Since its inception in 1954, GHF has saved hundreds of Galveston’s most important treasures--from humble shotgun houses to Craftsman-style bungalows to nationally significant mansions, sacred landmarks, commercial buildings and maritime artifacts. Every year, in order to showcase the continuing success of the city’s revitalization efforts, GHF opens a diverse collection of restored homes and other buildings to the public during the first two weekends in May.

Ten houses, dating from 1860 to 1904, have been chosen for this year’s tour. Each of the ten houses has suffered a calamity to some degree or another. Some are survivors of the Great Storm of 1900, others of the flood waters of Hurricane Ike. Still others have survived fire, collapsing foundations and tornados. Reconstruction is complete on some and ongoing on others.

Advance tickets are now available through on the Galveston Historical Foundation website www.galvestonhistory.org or by calling 1-877-77CLICK. Advance tickets are $20, or $15 for Galveston Historical Foundation members. (Member tickets are sold only at GHF Headquarters, 502 20th Street.) Beginning May 2, the first day of the tour, tickets are $25. Special rates are available for group tours. For more information on ticket sales call 409 765 7834.

Separately ticketed special events will augment the 2009 tour, including “First Impression: An Evening Preview” on May 1 and the annual Linen and Lace Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10.