It’s beginning to feel like summer, so why not spend a few hours at the park? Saengerfest Park, located in the heart of Downtown Galveston, is a great place to find free family-friendly fun.
Saengerfest Park is a small, square park located on the corner of 23rd St. and The Strand in Galveston’s Historic Strand District. Saengerfest Park is known for having a large, playable chess set, a large compass that can be used as a seat, a colorful iconic Galveston wall mural, a huge beach chair offering photo opportunities, wooden benches, an old-fashioned London-style phone booth, and a stage used for festivals, movies, and concerts.
Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy free movies the first Saturday of each month beginning just after dusk. Moviegoers are encouraged to set up a blanket or chair. Scheduled movies are:
- May 4th: “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018)
- June 1st: “Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” (1971)
- July 6th: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”
- August 3rd: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018)
- September 7th: “Tommy Boy” (1995)
- October 5th: “Goosebumps” (2015)
Music Nite on The Strand takes place on the second Saturday of each month, 6-9pm. These free concerts are a great family-fun event. Dancing is highly encouraged. Concerts scheduled are:
- May 11th: Sonic Seduction (Radio hits)
- June 8th: John Evans Band (Rock, Country, Blues)
- July 13th: Sarah Grace and the Soul (Blues, R&B)
- August 10th: Donovan Keith (Soul)
- September 14th: Fab Five (Beatles Tribute)
- October 12th: 30i (Rock)
These events are presented by Mitchell Historic Properties and The Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more info go to galveston.com/saengerfestpark.
May 4th-5th and May 11th (8am): Bishop’s Breakfast: Galveston Historical Foundation – Kick off your Galveston Historic Homes Tour day with a specially created breakfast, served at the Gresham House dining room table. This new Homes Tour offering includes a complimentary post-breakfast audio tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace and a ticket for the 45th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. Seats are limited to 12 total per day, so advance registration is required. The breakfasts will be helmed by local chef Bailey Glover. Bailey is a cooking instructor at Kitchen Chick and has been working in professional kitchens such as Central Market, Word of Mouth Catering, and Outward Bound since she graduated from the University of Texas Austin in 2011. She loves being a part of the Galveston cooking community! Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Tours will be held on May 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th from 10am- 6pm. Tickets are available online at galvestonhistory.org for non-members at $30 until May 3rd, and then for $35 until May 12th. Members of Galveston Historical Foundation can purchase specially priced $25 tickets by calling (409)765-3405 or by visiting any of GHF’s retail locations.
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Tours will be held on May 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th from 10am- 6pm. Tickets are available online at galvestonhistory.org for non-members at $30 until May 3rd, and then for $35 until May 12th. Members of Galveston Historical Foundation can purchase specially priced $25 tickets by calling (409)765-3405 or by visiting any of GHF’s retail locations.
“Our annual Historic Homes Tour highlights some of the best preservation projects on the island. This year we recognize more than forty-five years of preserving historic Galveston,” explains Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “There are few places in the country that have our quality and supply of historic properties. It’s what makes the island unique and a treasure for all who visit. Come help put more of the island into use and save your own small piece of history.”
2019 Homes on Tour
August Roemer Tenant House, built 1873: 1416 Sealy
August Roemer built this one-and-one-half-story Gulf Coast cottage with triple dormers in 1873 for use as rental property. The center-hall house features a notable entry with double doors and transom, turned balusters, and square porch columns. Roemer sold the house in 1879 to Julius and Elizabeth Ruhl, who used it as tenant property and a residence for extended family.
James and Amelia Byrnes House, built c.1881: Rehabilitation in Progress House: 2113 Ball Street
In 1883, paving and roofing contractor James Byrnes purchased this lot with an existing building. Byrnes “improved” the house in 1884, 1885, 1886 and 1895. Located adjacent to Galveston’s business district, the Byrnes House was used as an example of urban decay in 1969 during a city referendum on urban renewal. The current owners purchased the house in 2013 and began rehabilitation of the property.
Conrad and Henrike Lenz House, built 1887: 1807 Avenue L
Conrad Lenz built this center-hall, side-gable house with double dormers for use as his family residence. He and his wife, Henrike Pruessner, both emigrated from Germany to Galveston where they were married at First Lutheran Church. Lenz, a butcher, operated a shop and smokehouse next door, on the corner of 18th Street.
Allen and Lulu Cameron House, built 1891: 1126 Church Street
English born architect Henry Collier Cooke of the firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke designed this two-story Victorian house for merchant Allen Cameron and his new bride, Lulu Aschoff. The house boasts an asymmetrical façade with double wrap-around galleries separated by a patterned shingle skirt, a decorative balustrade, and a widow’s walk. Cooke trained as an architect in England and Italy before he arrived in Galveston in 1891.
Lucas Terrace, built 1901-1908: 1407 Broadway
Brick mason and English immigrant Thomas Lucas erected this complex using salvaged bricks from his apartment building at 6th and Broadway destroyed by the 1900 Storm. Constructed between 1901 and 1908, Lucas Terrace features two connected gable-front three-story buildings. A courtyard separates the main buildings from two detached two-story servant’s quarters on the south part of the property. When completed, the apartments were advertised as being “superior” to all others in the city.
Peter and Augusta Nielson House, built 1915: 1711 Rosenberg Avenue (25th Street)
Peter Nielson, a Danish-born merchant tailor, built this two-story brick house with details inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement for use as his private residence. A year after construction, Nielson died suddenly. His widow, Augusta, maintained the residence until 1929, when she moved to Houston to live with family.
Iocopo Niccolai Tenant House, built 1922: 2416 38th Street
Italian immigrant carpenter, Iacopo Niccolai, relocated this five-room bungalow, along with eleven others, in March 1938. Originally on 15th Street, Niccolai concentrated the twelve properties within the 2400 block of 38th Street, which he called “Niccolai Subdivision.” Niccolai utilized the block as rental property until his death in 1947.
Peter and Anna Serini House, built 1903, rebuilt 1923: 1810 Avenue N ½
Alexander McLellan, a Canadian immigrant and a foreman for Southwestern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, moved to Galveston after the 1900 Storm. In 1902 he purchased this vacant lot, and in 1903 relocated an “old” house there. In 1913, Peter and Anna Serini purchased the property. The Serinis rebuilt the house in 1923, using “part old material,” according to the property’s original 1903 insurance record.
Events in conjunction with the Home Tours are HERE.
Celebrating his 63rd year in the music industry, legendary singer Johnny Mathis is Columbia Records longest-running artist. A sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music eclipses passing fads and trends, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories — from music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits, and holiday music, all of which has assured his reputation as one of the most enduring vocalists in music history.
Best-known for his supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty,” Mathis has recorded close to 80 albums including 6 Christmas albums, and has sold millions of records worldwide.
During his extensive career, he has had 3 songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, achieved 50 Hits on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, and ranks as the all-time #6 album artist in the history of Billboard’s pop album charts.
He has received 5 Grammy Nominations, and in 2003 he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Tickets are $55-$200.
The Grand 1894 Opera House is located at 2020 Postoffice St. in Galveston’s historic Downtown Cultural Arts District. Tickets are available by contacting The Grand’s box office at (409)765-1894, (800)821-1894, or go to thegrand.com.
May 4th-5th and May 11th (8am): Bishop’s Breakfast: Galveston Historical Foundation – Kick off your Galveston Historic Homes Tour day with a specially created breakfast, served at the Gresham House dining room table. This new Homes Tour offering includes a complimentary post-breakfast audio tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace and a ticket for the 45th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour. Seats are limited to 12 total per day, so advance registration is required. The breakfasts will be helmed by local chef Bailey Glover. Bailey is a cooking instructor at Kitchen Chick and has been working in professional kitchens such as Central Market, Word of Mouth Catering, and Outward Bound since she graduated from the University of Texas Austin in 2011. She loves being a part of the Galveston cooking community! Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Tours will be held on May 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th from 10am- 6pm. Tickets are available online at galvestonhistory.org for non-members at $30 until May 3rd, and then for $35 until May 12th. Members of Galveston Historical Foundation can purchase specially priced $25 tickets by calling (409)765-3405 or by visiting any of GHF’s retail locations.
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Tours will be held on May 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th from 10am- 6pm. Tickets are available online at galvestonhistory.org for non-members at $30 until May 3rd, and then for $35 until May 12th. Members of Galveston Historical Foundation can purchase specially priced $25 tickets by calling (409)765-3405 or by visiting any of GHF’s retail locations.
“Our annual Historic Homes Tour highlights some of the best preservation projects on the island. This year we recognize more than forty-five years of preserving historic Galveston,” explains Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “There are few places in the country that have our quality and supply of historic properties. It’s what makes the island unique and a treasure for all who visit. Come help put more of the island into use and save your own small piece of history.”
2019 Homes on Tour
August Roemer Tenant House, built 1873: 1416 Sealy
August Roemer built this one-and-one-half-story Gulf Coast cottage with triple dormers in 1873 for use as rental property. The center-hall house features a notable entry with double doors and transom, turned balusters, and square porch columns. Roemer sold the house in 1879 to Julius and Elizabeth Ruhl, who used it as tenant property and a residence for extended family.
James and Amelia Byrnes House, built c.1881: Rehabilitation in Progress House: 2113 Ball Street
In 1883, paving and roofing contractor James Byrnes purchased this lot with an existing building. Byrnes “improved” the house in 1884, 1885, 1886 and 1895. Located adjacent to Galveston’s business district, the Byrnes House was used as an example of urban decay in 1969 during a city referendum on urban renewal. The current owners purchased the house in 2013 and began rehabilitation of the property.
Conrad and Henrike Lenz House, built 1887: 1807 Avenue L
Conrad Lenz built this center-hall, side-gable house with double dormers for use as his family residence. He and his wife, Henrike Pruessner, both emigrated from Germany to Galveston where they were married at First Lutheran Church. Lenz, a butcher, operated a shop and smokehouse next door, on the corner of 18th Street.
Allen and Lulu Cameron House, built 1891: 1126 Church Street
English born architect Henry Collier Cooke of the firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke designed this two-story Victorian house for merchant Allen Cameron and his new bride, Lulu Aschoff. The house boasts an asymmetrical façade with double wrap-around galleries separated by a patterned shingle skirt, a decorative balustrade, and a widow’s walk. Cooke trained as an architect in England and Italy before he arrived in Galveston in 1891.
Lucas Terrace, built 1901-1908: 1407 Broadway
Brick mason and English immigrant Thomas Lucas erected this complex using salvaged bricks from his apartment building at 6th and Broadway destroyed by the 1900 Storm. Constructed between 1901 and 1908, Lucas Terrace features two connected gable-front three-story buildings. A courtyard separates the main buildings from two detached two-story servant’s quarters on the south part of the property. When completed, the apartments were advertised as being “superior” to all others in the city.
Peter and Augusta Nielson House, built 1915: 1711 Rosenberg Avenue (25th Street)
Peter Nielson, a Danish-born merchant tailor, built this two-story brick house with details inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement for use as his private residence. A year after construction, Nielson died suddenly. His widow, Augusta, maintained the residence until 1929, when she moved to Houston to live with family.
Iocopo Niccolai Tenant House, built 1922: 2416 38th Street
Italian immigrant carpenter, Iacopo Niccolai, relocated this five-room bungalow, along with eleven others, in March 1938. Originally on 15th Street, Niccolai concentrated the twelve properties within the 2400 block of 38th Street, which he called “Niccolai Subdivision.” Niccolai utilized the block as rental property until his death in 1947.
Peter and Anna Serini House, built 1903, rebuilt 1923: 1810 Avenue N ½
Alexander McLellan, a Canadian immigrant and a foreman for Southwestern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, moved to Galveston after the 1900 Storm. In 1902 he purchased this vacant lot, and in 1903 relocated an “old” house there. In 1913, Peter and Anna Serini purchased the property. The Serinis rebuilt the house in 1923, using “part old material,” according to the property’s original 1903 insurance record.
Events in conjunction with the Home Tours are HERE.
Join angler educators for this limited space free family clinic for hands-on fun and activity-based lessons on basic fish identification, safe casting, and fishing in an easy access brackish-water pond. Equipment and bait provided or bring your own. No license necessary. Adults must accompany children. Bring sun protection and water. Restroom and shade available.
Galveston Island State Park entrance fees apply: $5/person, free to anyone under the age of 13yrs. Pay online or at park office (located on the beach side)
Limited to first 30 people to register online.
Become a Galveston Bay warrior and uncover life on and in the bay waters.
Come join one of our weekly explorations of the connections between the mainland and our island paradise – Galveston Bay. Sandy beach access to the calm waters of this seafood nursery abound with life! Meet our naturalist guides at the Lake Como Fishing area at 10:00 am; explorations last approximately 75 minutes.
Discover the wetlands with a close-up look at the critters, grasses and birds that inhabit the marshland and bay. Tour activities include hands-on-seining, fiddler crab sightings and more under the guidance of FoGISP (Friends of Galveston Island State Park) volunteers.
Hunt for coastal treasures with state park naturalists.
Beach Exploration hikes start at the park’s Day Use Beach boardwalk (adjacent to the restrooms and parking lot.)
Get a close-up look at the many critters and birds that inhabit the sand, surf and seaweed. This Saturday tour includes hands-on seining, searching for ghost crabs and beachcombing under the guidance of Friends of Galveston Island State Park (FoGISP) volunteers.
Galveston Historical Foundation opens the doors to Galveston’s incredible architectural history through public tours of privately-owned homes during its annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour.
Tours will be held on May 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th from 10am- 6pm. Tickets are available online at galvestonhistory.org for non-members at $30 until May 3rd, and then for $35 until May 12th. Members of Galveston Historical Foundation can purchase specially priced $25 tickets by calling (409)765-3405 or by visiting any of GHF’s retail locations.
“Our annual Historic Homes Tour highlights some of the best preservation projects on the island. This year we recognize more than forty-five years of preserving historic Galveston,” explains Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “There are few places in the country that have our quality and supply of historic properties. It’s what makes the island unique and a treasure for all who visit. Come help put more of the island into use and save your own small piece of history.”
2019 Homes on Tour
August Roemer Tenant House, built 1873: 1416 Sealy
August Roemer built this one-and-one-half-story Gulf Coast cottage with triple dormers in 1873 for use as rental property. The center-hall house features a notable entry with double doors and transom, turned balusters, and square porch columns. Roemer sold the house in 1879 to Julius and Elizabeth Ruhl, who used it as tenant property and a residence for extended family.
James and Amelia Byrnes House, built c.1881: Rehabilitation in Progress House: 2113 Ball Street
In 1883, paving and roofing contractor James Byrnes purchased this lot with an existing building. Byrnes “improved” the house in 1884, 1885, 1886 and 1895. Located adjacent to Galveston’s business district, the Byrnes House was used as an example of urban decay in 1969 during a city referendum on urban renewal. The current owners purchased the house in 2013 and began rehabilitation of the property.
Conrad and Henrike Lenz House, built 1887: 1807 Avenue L
Conrad Lenz built this center-hall, side-gable house with double dormers for use as his family residence. He and his wife, Henrike Pruessner, both emigrated from Germany to Galveston where they were married at First Lutheran Church. Lenz, a butcher, operated a shop and smokehouse next door, on the corner of 18th Street.
Allen and Lulu Cameron House, built 1891: 1126 Church Street
English born architect Henry Collier Cooke of the firm Bourgeois Nitchner & Cooke designed this two-story Victorian house for merchant Allen Cameron and his new bride, Lulu Aschoff. The house boasts an asymmetrical façade with double wrap-around galleries separated by a patterned shingle skirt, a decorative balustrade, and a widow’s walk. Cooke trained as an architect in England and Italy before he arrived in Galveston in 1891.
Lucas Terrace, built 1901-1908: 1407 Broadway
Brick mason and English immigrant Thomas Lucas erected this complex using salvaged bricks from his apartment building at 6th and Broadway destroyed by the 1900 Storm. Constructed between 1901 and 1908, Lucas Terrace features two connected gable-front three-story buildings. A courtyard separates the main buildings from two detached two-story servant’s quarters on the south part of the property. When completed, the apartments were advertised as being “superior” to all others in the city.
Peter and Augusta Nielson House, built 1915: 1711 Rosenberg Avenue (25th Street)
Peter Nielson, a Danish-born merchant tailor, built this two-story brick house with details inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement for use as his private residence. A year after construction, Nielson died suddenly. His widow, Augusta, maintained the residence until 1929, when she moved to Houston to live with family.
Iocopo Niccolai Tenant House, built 1922: 2416 38th Street
Italian immigrant carpenter, Iacopo Niccolai, relocated this five-room bungalow, along with eleven others, in March 1938. Originally on 15th Street, Niccolai concentrated the twelve properties within the 2400 block of 38th Street, which he called “Niccolai Subdivision.” Niccolai utilized the block as rental property until his death in 1947.
Peter and Anna Serini House, built 1903, rebuilt 1923: 1810 Avenue N ½
Alexander McLellan, a Canadian immigrant and a foreman for Southwestern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, moved to Galveston after the 1900 Storm. In 1902 he purchased this vacant lot, and in 1903 relocated an “old” house there. In 1913, Peter and Anna Serini purchased the property. The Serinis rebuilt the house in 1923, using “part old material,” according to the property’s original 1903 insurance record.
Events in conjunction with the Home Tours are HERE.
