Shows
Unboxing HistoryFrom Posters to Murals: Commemorating JuneteenthSend us a textGalveston's Pictorial Legacy of JuneteenthIn 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...2025-06-1114 min
Unboxing HistoryUnboxing Lesser-Known Stories of Galveston County HistorySend us a textIn 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...2025-04-1009 min
Unboxing HistoryGalveston's Mardi Gras Majesty LegacySend us a textIn 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, an...2025-02-0705 min
Unboxing HistoryVintage Celebrations: The Timeless Story Behind a 114-Year-Old Christmas TreeSend us a textCould the oldest Christmas tree in the United States be in Galveston? In this special holiday episode of Unboxing History, Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley, hosts of the Unboxing History Podcast, presented by the Galveston County Museum, discuss a 114-year-old artificial Christmas tree, potentially the oldest in Texas or the country. The tree, donated by Mr. Lynn Ringh, features ornaments with rich histories, including a straw hat from Tampico, Mexico, and a World War II-era cardboard and foil ornament. Mr. Ringh shares heartfelt stories about his family's traditions, the Great Depression's impact...2024-12-1121 min
Unboxing HistoryUnboxing the History of Camp WallaceSend us a textDid you know Camp Wallace once served as a training facility for soldiers, housed POWs, and even served as a morgue? In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley from the Galveston County Museum, delve into the history of Camp Wallace, a World War II military camp located in what is now Jack Brooks Park in Galveston County. They examine artifacts related to the camp, including a handkerchief, a pillowcase, a postcard, and a separation center brochure. Guest speaker Shana Rawls, who wrote a...2024-11-2026 min
Unboxing HistoryFrom Corking Fees to Clara Barton: Timeless Tales from The TremontSend us a textIn this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley explore intriguing artifacts from the Tremont Hotel's past, including an 1879 menu and postcards. Special guest Kathleen Maca, a historian who authored a book on the Tremont Hotel, shares fascinating insights into the hotel's rich history, its notable guests, and its connection to Galveston's historical events like the Civil War and the 1900 Storm. Discover the transformation of the Tremont Hotel over the years and learn about the Galveston County Museum's crucial role in preserving this history.2024-10-1626 min
Unboxing HistoryGalveston’s Weather Warriors: Unboxing History with Dr Hurricane Hal NeedhamSend us a textIn this episode of Unboxing History, co-hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley unbox a special artifact from the Galveston County Museum: a portrait of the pioneering meteorologist Dr. John Freeman. They discuss Dr. Freeman's contributions to meteorology, including his work with the U.S. Weather Bureau and the founding of the Weather Research Center. Special guest Dr. Hal Needham, also known as Hurricane Hal, provides expert insights into the historical weather instruments on exhibit and compares past and present meteorological practices. The episode explores the history of weather forecasting, the impact of...2024-09-2625 min
Unboxing HistoryA Haunting Record: The 1900 Storm Coroner's LedgerSend us a textUnboxing History: The Inquest Record of the 1900 Storm-In this episode of Unboxing History, co-host Christine Hopkins and Jody Wright-Gidley, director of the Galveston County Museum, delve into the story behind an inquest record book from the Bolivar Peninsula post-1900 Storm. They discuss the history and significance of the ledger, which contains detailed descriptions of victims to aid identification after the devastating hurricane. The episode also touches on the broader context of the 1900 Storm, including Galveston's importance as a port, the impact on the community, and the efforts made...2024-08-1420 min
Unboxing HistoryExploring Galveston’s Beach HistorySend us a textIn this episode of Unboxing History, Christine Hopkins and museum staffer Shelby Rodwell unbox a woman's bathing suit from 1890-1910 from the Galveston County Museum collection. This swimsuit is featured in a new exhibit at the Museum created by Rodwell. The podcast highlights beach-related artifacts in the exhibit and the history of segregated beaches in Galveston. Additionally, they talk about historic bathhouses, Electric Park, and beach events like the Bathing Girl Revue. The episode concludes with an invitation to visit the museum and explore its exhibits and resources. Unboxing History Podcast is presented...2024-07-2413 min
Unboxing HistoryBlazing History: Galveston's Fires and the Fight to Save the IslandSend us a textIn this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley share a rare fire bucket from the early 1900s held in the Galveston County Museum's collection. They are joined by James Anderson, author of 'Galveston Burning: A History of the Fire Department and Major Conflagrations,' to discuss significant fires that reshaped Galveston, including the devastating 1885 fire. Anderson provides fascinating insights into early firefighting techniques, fire station history, and the importance of fire maps from the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company. The discussion highlights historic buildings lost to fire and the...2024-06-2024 min
Unboxing HistoryWhen Luck Was Lady Galveston, Unveiling the City’s Gambling PastSend us a textUnveiling 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...2024-05-1524 min
Unboxing HistoryRevealing Galveston’s History Through Film From 1900 Storm to 1950sSend us a textUnearthing 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, th...2024-04-1718 min
Unboxing HistorySavoring History - The First Food TruckSend us a textThis 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...2024-03-2016 min
Unboxing HistoryFrom Storefronts to Memories: The Vanishing World of Corner StoresSend us a textUnboxing 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...2024-02-1313 min
Unboxing HistoryUnboxing History Explained - For History Lovers and LearnersSend us a textExplore 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...2024-01-2201 min
Unboxing HistoryRegal Revelry: The Royal Connection of Mardi Gras CostumesSend us a textUnboxing 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....2024-01-1906 min