Unboxing History

Unboxing History | History Expert Jodi Wright-Gidley & Galveston Author Christine Hopkins

Explore the past with Unboxing History as we take you on a journey into the captivating Galveston County Historical Museum collection. 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. Hosted by local author and Galveston expert Christine Hopkins and Museum Director Jodi Wright-Gidley, "Unboxing History" will delve into the treasures of the Galveston County Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artifact collection and exhibits.  The museum is located inside the courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston, Texas. It is free and open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 to 4—private tours and a Padlock Mystery game available by appointment.#historypodcast #texashistory

  1. 12/09/2025

    Unboxing History: The Galveston Movement & Rabbi Henry Cohen

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley, director of the Galveston County Museum, explore the historical significance of the Galveston Movement, an immigration plan that redirected Jewish immigrants from overcrowded Ellis Island to Galveston, Texas, between 1907 and 1914. The episode features personal anecdotes from sisters Shelly Kessler and Francine Beckman, whose grandparents emigrated from Austria-Hungary as part of the Galveston Movement. The sisters share touching family stories, old photographs, and even a wedding dress from 1911. The episode also highlights the critical role played by Rabbi Henry Cohen in welcoming and assisting these immigrants. Additionally, viewers learn about the various exhibits and artifacts on display at the Galveston County Museum, as well as the museum's efforts to continue enriching its collection through community contributions. #GalvestonMovement #Immigration #ImmigrationHistory #Texas Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    Unboxing History: The Galveston Movement & Rabbi Henry Cohen
  2. 10/11/2025

    You Can’t Talk about Texas History without The Galveston Daily News

    Send us Fan Mail Unboxing History: The Typewriter that Survived the 1900 Galveston Storm In this episode of 'Unboxing History,' hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley explore the intricate history of an 1891 Oliver typewriter used by RB Spangler, a compositor for the Galveston Daily News. The discussion delves into Spangler's pivotal role during the 1900 Galveston Storm and the importance of the local newspaper in chronicling such significant events. Special guest Leonard Woolsey, the publisher of the Galveston County Daily News, joins to provide further insight into the newspaper’s historical legacy and its role in documenting the hurricane and other critical events in Texas history. You can’t talk about Texas History without The Galveston Daily News. The episode highlights the enduring relevance of local journalism and the museum’s efforts to preserve and share these fascinating stories. Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    You Can’t Talk about Texas History without The Galveston Daily News
  3. 08/13/2025

    Unboxing History: Back to School Edition

    Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley as they unbox the rich history of Galveston County’s schools in this special Back to School edition of Unboxing History! Discover unique artifacts ranging from an 1885 teaching certificate to a 1920s report card, and hear the stories behind them. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Galveston’s past, this episode offers a glimpse into some unique artifacts in the museum’s collection.  Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    Unboxing History: Back to School Edition
  4. 06/11/2025

    From Posters to Murals: Commemorating Juneteenth

    Send us Fan Mail Galveston's Pictorial Legacy of Juneteenth In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley explore a World War I poster commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation. They are joined by historian Sam Collins III, who discusses the historical significance of the poster, which links the Civil War to World War I, and highlights key figures like Abraham Lincoln, Paul Dunnbar, and Frederick Douglas. Collins also elaborates on the significance of General Order No. 3 and the Absolute Equality mural in Galveston. The mural, an outdoor classroom, and other initiatives such as the Nia Cultural Center aim to educate and inspire visitors about the history of Juneteenth in Galveston, the birthplace of this pivotal celebration of freedom. Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    From Posters to Murals: Commemorating Juneteenth
  5. 04/09/2025

    Unboxing Lesser-Known Stories of Galveston County History

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unboxing History, Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley, executive director of the Galveston County Museum, delve into fascinating artifacts from Galveston County's rich history. They uncover a Colombian mammoth bone and discuss the area's prehistoric fossils, explore the origins of the town of Algoa, and highlight the significance of early settlers bringing trees and crops to the region. Additionally, quirky historical facts are shared, such as deer swimming across Galveston Bay. The episode also promotes the newly released book 'Galveston County, Texas, A Narrative and Pictorial History,' offering a comprehensive view of the county’s development and interconnected communities. Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    Unboxing Lesser-Known Stories of Galveston County History
  6. 02/07/2025

    Galveston's Mardi Gras Majesty Legacy

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine and Jodi explore a colorful artifact from the Galveston County Museum's collection – a crown from the 1961 Treasure Ball Royal Court. They delve into the rich history of Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston, detailing key events and traditions that have shaped the festivities over the years. The discussion covers the origins of Mardi Gras in Galveston, the prominent krewes, and the significance of the Treasure Ball. Listeners are also introduced to the museum's permanent Mardi Gras exhibit, which features a vast collection of capes, trains, crowns, and more, highlighting the community's enduring connection to this vibrant tradition. Special thanks to the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music. Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.  For more information on the Museum, visit our website. 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 is open for FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 to 4:00. Private tours and our fun Padlock Mystery Game can be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 409.766.2340. The museum is located inside the Galveston County courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street, Galveston, Texas. Follow us on Facebook Follow up on Instagram

    Galveston's Mardi Gras Majesty Legacy

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About

Explore the past with Unboxing History as we take you on a journey into the captivating Galveston County Historical Museum collection. 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. Hosted by local author and Galveston expert Christine Hopkins and Museum Director Jodi Wright-Gidley, "Unboxing History" will delve into the treasures of the Galveston County Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artifact collection and exhibits.  The museum is located inside the courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston, Texas. It is free and open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 to 4—private tours and a Padlock Mystery game available by appointment.#historypodcast #texashistory