Haunted History – Ghostly Galveston Stops and Stories

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.

1892 Bishop’s Palace Harvest Moon Tour

This unique tour lets visitors explore the National Historic Landmark, including the third floor, and see how this architectural gem takes on a completely different look in the moonlight.

Architectural historians consider the 1892 Bishop’s Palace one of the country’s most significant Victorian residences. Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District and a National Historic Landmark. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in architecture.

Where: 1892 Bishop’s Palace 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX, United States

Haunted Harbor Tours

Galveston Bay’s historic waters are tied directly to the island’s beginnings. On this special 90-minute tour onboard Galveston Historical Foundation’s SEAGULL II, guests will hear the haunted history of Galveston’s harborside. 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

The Houdini Foundation

October 31, 2025, marks the 99th anniversary of famous escape artist Harry Houdini’s death. On November 6, 1923, less than three years before he died, Houdini made his one and only appearance at Galveston’s Grand Opera House.

But Houdini had been dreaming of coming to Galveston for years. His papers in the Library of Congress include an unmailed postcard telling his mother that he was running away from home to go to Galveston for a year. At the time, Ehrich Weisz (his birth name) was only twelve years old.

When Houdini finally got to Galveston 37 years later, he was in the midst of a crusade against the evil side of Spiritualism. As part of his later tours, Houdini delivered lectures with projected slides explaining how some unscrupulous mediums defrauded people.

In this unique program, Ed Cotham will explore Houdini’s life and his Texas connections. As part of the program, he will read from the script of one of Houdini’s Spiritualism lectures while showing pictures of Houdini’s original slides.

You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

Virtual tickets are also available for guests who would like to view the livestream. A link will be sent prior to the event with instructions on viewing. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

Current GHF member tickets are free for in-person or livestream attendance as part of their #GalvestonHistory+ account. Access will start at 11:15 a.m. on October 28, 2025.

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

Fall Fest at the Galveston Historic Seaport

Celebrate the magic of the season at the Galveston Historic Seaport’s Fall Fest—a free, family-friendly event bursting with autumn fun!

Kids can test their aim at the dunk booth, get creative with festive face painting, and explore Galveston’s eerie maritime past on special Haunted Harbor Tours.

Parents can relax with local craft beers and seasonal bites while soaking in crisp harbor breezes and live entertainment. With hands-on activities, spooky surprises, and plenty of fall flair, Fall Fest is the perfect way to welcome sweater weather by the sea.

Where: Galveston Historic Seaport- 2200 Harborside Drive, Galveston, TX 77550

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.

For additional Haunted History information, dates, times & tickets visit: