ADVERTISEMENT
Galveston Historical Haunted History
Your spirit is summoned to Galveston Historical Foundation’s Haunted History experiences! For an island that is no stranger to the strange, this Halloween season GHF is offering a breath-taking roster of uniquely created events for adults and youth alike. The island is a treasure of haunted stories and spooky places and our rich history and fascinating buildings are ideal for a truly unique Galveston Halloween event experience.
Haunted Harbor Tours
Step aboard Galveston Historical Foundation’s SEAGULL II for the original Haunted Harbor Tour through Galveston Bay. Led by Galveston History guides, guests will learn about the haunted history of the island’s historic waters.
The 90-minute tour, first started in 2007, features historically accurate accounts researched by Galveston Historical Foundation staff.
These special cruises depart from the Galveston Historic Seaport at Pier 22.
Where: Galveston Historic Seaport 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX, United States
Galveston Ghost Stories at the 1859 Ashton Villa
Led by Galveston History staff, the Ashton Villa ghost tours explore the history and mysteries of the 1859 Broadway beauty.
Tour the first and second floors while learning about the Brown family, including Bettie Brown, and judge for yourself if her spirit still resides in the family home!
Where: 1859 Ashton Villa 2328 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, United States
Menard House Trick or Treat | Haunted History
Galveston’s oldest residence, the 1838 Menard House opens its gates to trick or treaters for history-making fun! Individual bags of candy will be given to young guests with free admission on the property.
Please note: the house will not be open for tours.
Where: 1838 Menard House 1605 33rd Street, Galveston, TX, United States
Haunted Headscratchers Trivia Night
Put your haunted history knowledge to the test at this special Smarty Pints trivia night!
Gather your ghouls for an evening of spooky questions, strange facts, local lore, and Halloween-themed challenges designed to test even the sharpest minds. Expect a lively mix of haunted history, pop culture, creepy curiosities, and plenty of unexpected twists along the way.
Available package that includes a bucket of beer and a reserved table for 4 is available for $32.70. Those not wanting the package can arrive on site for free.
Please note: Weather permitting, this event will be held on the dock next to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA.
Where: Galveston Historic Seaport – 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550
Movie Night at Menard with Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus in the Backyard!
Grab a blanket, bring your favorite goblins, and settle in for a little Halloween magic in the backyard of the 1838 Menard House, Galveston’s oldest residence.
Join Galveston History for a free outdoor screening of the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus in one of the island’s most historic settings.
Enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars as the Sanderson Sisters take over the big screen, surrounded by nearly two centuries of Galveston history. Costumes are welcome, spooky spirit is encouraged, and admission is free. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season at one of Galveston’s most special historic places.
Where: 1838 Menard House – 1605 33rd Street, Galveston, TX, 77550
Spirits of The Strand Sip and Stroll
A Spirited Sip and Stroll of Historic Downtown Galveston
Led by Galveston History staff, discover the darker side of Galveston’s Historic Strand District on a spirited walking tour filled with eerie stories, strange encounters, and very real history.
Beginning in front of the historic 1859 Hendley Building, guests will stroll through downtown while hearing factual tales of haunted happenings, unexplained events, and the people whose stories still linger among the district’s historic buildings.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy three complimentary mini cocktails as the tour winds toward its final stop at the Tremont House.
Where: Galveston Historical Foundation- 2002 Strand, Galveston, TX 77550
Broadway Cemetery Soul Stroll
Step into Galveston’s past by lantern light on a guided walk through the Broadway Cemetery Historic District, exploring the Episcopal, Old Catholic, and Old City cemeteries.
Along the way, guests will encounter the stories of notable Galvestonians including Bettie Brown, Michael Menard, Nicaragua Smith, Mrs. Alberti, Ira Day, and others whose lives helped shape the island’s history.
Throughout the cemetery, Galveston History-approved reenactors will bring these stories to life, sharing historically grounded accounts of the people buried there and the world they knew.
Where: Broadway Cemetery- 4201 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550
Headstone Cleaning Workshop
Learn the fundamentals of proper cemetery preservation during this hands-on workshop at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Set against a historic Nicholas Clayton-designed family vault, the class will offer a practical introduction to caring for and maintaining headstones, monuments, and other historic masonry.
Led by Galveston History staff, participants will learn the dos and don’ts of cleaning, when and how to use limewash, and how to identify common drainage issues that can affect historic stonework. While the techniques are especially useful for cemetery preservation, many of the same principles can also be applied to historic masonry and maintenance projects at home.
Please note: Calvary Cemetery is located on Galveston Island between 61st Street and 65th Street. The entrance is located on 65th Street.
About Galveston Historical Foundation
GHF was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.
