Moody Gardens to Open the Exhibit Forgotten Gateway to Highlight the History of Galveston as a Port of Entry and the Immigrants Who Shaped the American History
Galveston, Texas – Moody Gardens is looking for Southeast Texas and Southern Louisiana locals with ties to the immigrants who came through the Port of Galveston. Those descendant families are encouraged to share Galveston immigration stories and historical artifacts toward the new traveling exhibit Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America through Galveston Island scheduled to open at the Moody Gardens Discovery Museum on Saturday, Nov. 21.
“Real stories told by real people are powerful and truly intriguing,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens general manager. “That is what the exhibit is about, sharing stories, and we hope folks from this region can make connections to the history of Galveston to pass it on to others.”
The exhibit chronicles the Port of Galveston’s largely forgotten history as a major gateway to American immigration from 1845 to 1924. Long before Ellis Island processed its first immigrant, Galveston was a port of entry for hundreds of thousands of immigrants. While the New York counterpart made it a natural port for Europeans, Galveston attracted a diverse group of people from Europe, Mexico, South and Central America and even Asia. In addition, before the Civil War, it was a major port for forced migration – the sale and transport of slaves from Africa and other points in the United States to Texas.
The exhibit highlights enduring humanities themes in the history of immigration including: the dangers of the journey; making a life in a new land; navigating bureaucracy; confronting discrimination; and becoming “American.” These trials and tribulations are illuminated through personal stories, dynamic visitor interactive kiosks, engaging media pieces, and more than 200 original artifacts and documents. The exhibit originated from a comment a 10th-grader made on a heritage trip to Ellis Island. “Why do we need to go to New York,” asked the student. “My grandparents came through Galveston.”
Southeast Texans and Southern Louisiana locals with connections to those immigrants can participate in the exhibit and share stories, historical artifacts and documents relevant to Galveston immigration by contacting Moody Gardens at printern@moodygardens.com, or 409-683-4215. For more information about Forgotten Gateway, please visit moodygardens.org or call 800-582-4673.
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