Unboxing History: The Galveston Movement & Rabbi Henry Cohen

Send us Fan MailIn 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 #TexasSpecial 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 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 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 FacebookFollow up on Instagram