Unveiling the Maceos: From Immigrants to Galveston's Power Duo - Featuring Kimber Fountain, Author of "The Maceos and the Free State of Galveston, An Authorized History"This episode of 'Unboxing History' delves into the intriguing history Galveston County, Texas, through the lens of Sam and Rose Maceo, who played a pivotal role in transforming the city in the early to mid-20th century. Hosted by Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley, the podcast unveils artifacts from the Galveston County Museum's collection, including a sealed deck of cards from the renowned Balinese Room and memorabilia from the Turf Athletic Club. Author  Kimber Fountain shares the remarkable journey of the Maceo brothers from Sicilian immigrants to influential entrepreneurs in Galveston, emphasizing their rum running during Prohibition, and their lasting impact on the city's development and culture. Their legacy shaped Galveston's identity as a premium resort destination, and they created a model that influenced modern-day Las Vegas.Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram

Unearthing Galveston's Past: The 1900 Storm Through Thomas Edison's LensThis 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. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram

This episode of Unboxing History provides a detailed discussion about the history of a tamale cart once belonging to Mr. Serrato, known as Dan the Tamale Man, in Galveston. It includes interviews with a local Texas Star Bakery owner and tamale expert, Cris Chapa, and Chef Mary Bass of La Cocina Market, discussing the process of making tamales and the influence of different cultures on Galveston's food. The episode also highlights the evolution of food convenience and the impact of immigration on the island's diverse culinary scene. The tamale cart is now part of the Galveston County Museum's collection.Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram

Unboxing History Episode 2: From Storefronts to Memories: The Vanishing World of Corner Stores is a conversation between Christine Hopkins, Jodi Wright-Gidley, and Alfio Tropea. They discuss the history and significance of a unique artifact, a bicycle that was used for grocery store deliveries in the 1950s. The bicycle has been through various events, including being displayed at the Smithsonian and surviving Hurricane Ike. The podcast also touches on the history of corner stores and their decline over the years. The restored bicycle is currently on exhibit at the Galveston County Museum. More on the museum at www.galvestoncountyhistory.orgThank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram

Explore the past with Unboxing History as we take you on a journey into the captivating collection of the Galveston County Museum. Uncover the hidden stories behind artifacts, delve into the intricacies of local history, and discover the treasures that connect us to bygone eras. Join us for a unique and insightful exploration of our heritage, one unboxing at a time.The Galveston County Museum is located on Galveston Island in Texas. The museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm and is available for private tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Museum is in the Galveston County Courthouse, 722 Moody (21st Street), Galveston, TX 77550. The Museum accepts artifacts relating to the region from all over the world. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram

Unboxing History, Episode 1 is a conversation between Christine Hopkins, a Galveston author and local expert, and Jodi Wright-Gidley, director of the Galveston County Museum. As part of this series, they’ll unbox the treasures in the collection of the museum. In this episode, they discuss the history and significance of Mardi Gras and Treasure Ball in Galveston, focusing on the use of ermine fur in the costumes currently featured in the exhibit. They also discuss the history of Mardi Gras in Galveston and invite listeners to visit the Galveston County Museum.Show Notes:Unboxing History: Regal Revelry: The Royal Connection of Mardi Gras Costumes  In the first episode of 'Unboxing History,' hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley explore connections between European royalty, ermine fur, and Galveston's Mardi Gras. The show delves into the history and symbolism of the ermine fur, its ties to royalty, and its presence in Mardi Gras costumes despite modern ethical shifts against real fur use. The hosts also discuss Mardi Gras's beginnings in 600 AD, its relevance in Galveston, Treasure Ball, and how it underwent a revival in 1985. Listeners are invited to visit the Galveston County Museum's Mardi Gras exhibit, featuring artifacts and costumes dating back to 1856.00:00 Introduction to Unboxing History00:31 Unveiling the Historic Treasure00:57 The History and Significance of Ermine01:43 Ermine and Mardi Gras Connection02:21 The Tradition of Mardi Gras in Galveston03:28 The Role of Mardi Gras in Community Fundraising03:56 Revival of Mardi Gras in Galveston04:05 Exploring the Mardi Gras Exhibit at the Galveston County Museum05:10 How to Get Involved with the Galveston County Museum05:37 Donating Mardi Gras Items to the Museum06:18 Conclusion: The Growth of Mardi Gras Since Its RevivalThank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum. For more information, visit our website.History of the Galveston County MuseumThe 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. Follow us on FacebookFollow up on Instagram