Galveston Island is famous for its wonderful people. And it's those citizens that have helped make Galveston the wonderful city it is... brimming with wonderful organizations, groups, possibilities, and philanthropies.
Junior League of Galveston
210 Kempner
Galveston, Texas
409.765.7646 jlgalveston.org
The Junior League of Galveston, Inc. is an organization committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Rotary Club of Galveston
2301 The Strand, Suite 270
Galveston, Texas 409.763.8688 galvestonrotary.com The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society; the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
Galveston Chamber of Commerce
519 25th St.
Galveston, Texas
409.763.5326 galvestonchamber.com
The Chamber's mission is to strengthen the business climate, promote community development, enhance the quality of life on Galveston Island, and expand and diversify Galveston’s economic base.
Galveston Economic Development Partnership
519 25th St.
Galveston, Texas
409.770.0216 gedp.org
The Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP) is the pre-eminent economic development organization on Galveston Island. The GEDP partners with the City of Galveston, the Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and many leading businesses and non-profit organizations both on the Island and in the South Texas region.
Galveston County Reads
Galveston, Texas 409.763.8854 galvestoncountyreads.org
Galveston County Reads is a voluntary organization composed of community representatives. It's modeled after "one city, one book" projects around the country that are designed to promote the reading of the same book at the same time by their residents of high school age through senior citizens. The committee endeavors to choose a book of interest to this community and to use the accompanying events to unify the community of Galveston County by encouraging reading and thoughtful discussions.
Galveston Independent School District
3904 Avenue T
Galveston, Texas
409.766-5100 gisd.org
Galveston schools were governed by the City of Galveston until 1949 when the Texas Legislature established the Galveston Independent School District. GISD is located in Galveston County and covers 94.82 square miles, including all of Galveston Island and a portion of the Bolivar Peninsula. The school district is fully accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
Galveston Island Arts Academy
2627 Avenue O
Galveston, Texas
409.771.4438 galvestonislandartsacademy.com The Galveston Island Arts Academy was formed to provide quality arts experiences for children and adults. Located diagonally from the Garten Verein at 27th Street and Ave. O, the Academy offers Saturday School art and poetry classes weekly and throughout the summer along with music lessons for piano, violin, cello, guitar, flute, and brass taught by the finest of instructors. Photography classes, a chamber music series, and numerous art exhibitions make it a busy, vital part of the island education experiences. For additional information, contact Dr. Susan Vaughan, Director, 409-771-4438 or check out classes on the website.
Galveston Historical Foundation 502 20th St.
Galveston, Texas 409.765.7834 galvestonhistory.org
GHF is Texas' oldest historic preservation group and the second largest locally-based historic preservation organization in the nation. It began in 1871 as the Galveston Historical Society, organized to preserve papers and documents that were accumulating as Galveston developed into the “Queen City” of the Gulf during the latter decades of the 19th Century. In 1954, the society incorporated to become Galveston Historical Foundation and expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, public education and historic preservation activities. The foundation now has more than 5,100 members from 38 states and two foreign countries. It operates nine museums and historic properties and works in the community to preserve the historic architecture and the cultural heritage of the island.
Rosenberg Library
2310 Sealy Ave.
Galveston, Texas
409.763.8854 rosenberg-library.org
The Rosenberg Library, successor to the Galveston Mercantile Library, which was founded in 1871, is the oldest public library in Texas in continuous operation. With funding provided through a bequest from Henry Rosenberg, the Rosenberg Library Association was organized in 1900 as a private corporation to give free library service to all Galvestonians.
The City of Galveston 823 25th St.
Galveston, Texas
409.797.3500 cityofgalveston.org Like state and federal government, Galveston city government is organized to balance the legislative, executive, and judicial powers. City Council is the legislative branch which derives authority from a Charter granted by the State of Texas; the City Manager is the chief executive officer; and the Municipal Courts judge the guilt or innocence of those accused of breaking City laws and determine punishment for those who are guilty.The City Council and Mayor establish policy through the adoption of ordinances. The six council positions are elected by district to two year terms and the mayor is elected at large to a two year term. Council positions are eligible to serve up to three two year terms. The City Council appoints the City Manager and five other positions: City Secretary, City Auditor, City Attorney, Tax Collector, and Municipal Court Judge. The City Manager is responsible for administering all City functions: employment of personnel; development, presentation and administration of the City budget; and implementation of City Council's policies.
Galveston Municipal Police Association
Galveston, Texas
409.797.3650
The Galveston Municipal Police Officers' Association has been an active participant with the community and it's police officers since 1950. Currently the Association represents approximately 170 members in matters of collective bargaining, discipline, grievances and community relations. They provide activities for members and their families as well as serve as a vehicle for fund raising for certain local charities. The Association also maintains an active profile within the local political arena to insure that matters of law enforcement and employee rights are ensured for all persons.
The Port of Galveston
P.O. Box 328
Galveston, Texas
409.765.9321 portofgalveston.com
The mission of the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves is to manage the assets and resources under its stewardship so as to create optimum economic benefit for the City of Galveston and its local region.
Denver Court Neighborhood Association
4801 Denver
Galveston, Texas
409.744.8728
East End Historical District Association
P.O. Box 2424
Galveston, Texas eastendgalveston.org
The East End Historical District is comprised of over 50 city blocks bounded on the south by Broadway, the east by 10th Street, the north by Mechanic Avenue and the west by 19th Street. The District has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
San Jacinto Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 2575
Galveston, Texas
409.762.5106
Newsletter: Download here.
University Area Association
427 Market St.
Galveston, Texas
409.762.8641
Newsletter: Download here.
Animal Shelter & Adoption Center of Galveston Island
6814 Broadway
Galveston, Texas
409.762.2833 galvestonanimalshelter.org
The Animal Shelter and Adoption Center of Galveston Island, Inc. is soley dedicated to the cause and welfare of unwanted or homeless animals.
Clean Galveston
2102 Mechanic, Second Floor
Galveston, Texas
409.762.3363 cleangalveston.org
Clean Galveston is a community based membership organization dedicated to making the Island of Galveston "as pretty as it oughta be." Clean Galveston provides a place to stand to those member who know that they can move the world toward a better place. Clean Galveston is a proud member of the Keep Texas Beautiful and the Keep America Beautiful organizations.
Galveston Bay Foundation
17324-A Highway 3
Webster, Texas
281.332.3381 galvbay.org
The Galveston Bay Foundation was founded in 1987 as a nonprofit organization to preserve, protect and enhance Galveston Bay -- one of the world's most productive estuaries. Through programs in advocacy, conservation, education, and research GBF seeks a balance between the ecological needs of the Galveston Bay system - the Bay and all its tributaries -- and the demands of commercial and recreational users. The board and members of the Galveston Bay Foundation are drawn from environmental, recreational, commercial, and industrial interests, reflecting the diversity of those who use Galveston Bay.
Gleanings from the Harvest
903 53rd St.
Galveston, Texas 409.762.8641 gfthgalveston.org
Gleanings From The Harvest for Galveston is a vital and necessary food procurement and distribution network that maximizes its relationships with major food distributors and producers to effectively provide nourishing food to those who most need it. Not only to the truly destitute but the many families in our area that represent the working poor. Their efforts are being supported through Interfaith and Community Cooperation.
Resource & Crisis Center of Galveston County
2202 Avenue L
Galveston, Texas
409.765.SAFE rccgc.org
The mission of Resource and Crisis Center of Galveston County is to promote the safety and well being of women, men, children and families and to advocate for the prevention of family violence and sexual assault.
Ronald McDonald House of Galveston
301 14th Street
Galveston, Texas
409.762.0609 rmhg.org
The Ronald McDonald House of Galveston is a home-away-from-home for the families of children who are seeking medical treatment at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Shriners Hospital for Children and Transitional Learning Center. The House is more than a place to stay; as an alternative to an isolated hotel room, the families and children enjoy cheerful surroundings and the support of other families, volunteers and staff.
Seafarers Center of Galveston 221 20th St.
Galveston, Texas
409.762.0026 seafarerscenter.us
The mission of The Seafarers Center of Galveston is to provide seafarers of the world a safe place to rest, relax and to enjoy the freedom of religious expression; to regain contact with family and friends; to provide counseling and comfort in time of need. The Center offers a home away from home where the men and women who work at sea can feel comfortable, share their stories and be a part of our community. The Center's services include but are not limited to: ship visitation, internet and telephone service, reading material, transportation, billiards and ping-pong tables and advocacy. Many volunteer opportunities are available and if English is all you speak, that's fine. The Center believes a smile and a handshake mean welcome in any language!
Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund
2201 Market St. Ste 601
Galveston, Texas
409.762.1603 kempnerfund.org
The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund has deep roots in Galveston, where the family and its businesses have flourished, beginning with Harris Kempner's arrival in 1868. The trustees have always felt a strong commitment to address the needs of their home community. Annually more than 80% of the Fund's grants are awarded to organizations that benefit the people of Galveston. The grants cover the broad areas of arts and historic preservation, community development, education, health, and human services.
Galveston Hotel & Lodging Association
Galveston, Texas
409.744-1500 galveston.com/ghla/
The object and purpose of the Galveston Hotel & Lodging Association shall be to encourage and foster business ethics and practices and to assist in the solving of mutual problems relative to the hotel and motel industry in the Galveston area.
• Galveston Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles South of Houston.
• Galveston Island is a barrier reef island that averages 2 miles in width, offering 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches.
• Galveston Island offers temperate weather year-round, averaging 57°F in the winter months and 81°F in summer months.
• Galveston Island has four historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places, which include The Strand National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking District and Central Business District.
• Galveston Island is home to three National Historic Landmarks including the Tall Ship Elissa, East End and The Strand and has approximately 1,500 historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Galveston has a population of nearly 60,000.
• Galveston Island is home to Moody Gardens which includes a Rainforest Pyramid, IMAX 3D Theater, Palm Beach, Discovery Museum, Ridefilm Theater and Aquarium Pyramid.
• Galveston Island has 14 museums and historic homes open to the public for tours, including the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum (Home of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame), Railroad Museum, Texas Seaport Museum, Ashton Villa, Bishop's Palace, and Moody Mansion.
• Galveston Island's Strand National Historic Landmark District/Downtown area offers more than 100 shops, restaurants and art galleries conveniently located within 36 square blocks.
• Galveston Island is home to the University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University at Galveston.
• Galveston Island has more than 20 art galleries on the Strand, Pier 21, and in the Postoffice Street Entertainment District.
• Galveston Island was second only to Ellis Island as an immigration station.
• Galveston has the second largest historic preservation group in the nation. The Galveston Historical Foundation celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1996.
• Galveston Island is home to the University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M University at Galveston.
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