Galveston’s historic immigration story comes alive with a new experience, “Ship To Shore”, at Galveston Historic Seaport. Ship To Shore allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the early immigrants, from the long sea voyage with its mix of hardships and wonders to the hustle and bustle arriving in the 1880s at Galveston, one of the busiest ports and booming cities in the United States.

“Ship to Shore captures the reality of travel to Galveston in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It brings to life the experiences of real people with raw human stories of survival and challenge that has not been captured before now,” states Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director.  Ship to Shore is not a one-time experience, as we progress with the new attraction, more real-life stories will be presented, and our Galveston story will expand.”

Galveston Historical Foundation hired a New Zealand firm, the Gibson Group, to build the interactive experience, and they did just that. Upon arrival, visitors get a user card with a number of different stories in them. On each visit, one immigrants’ journey is explored. The card has a QR code that allows access to a particular storyline on a particular visit, so that on repeat encounters, new stories are unlocked.

As they wander through the ship, visitors are treated to a realistic exhibition of life aboard an 19th Century vessel, learning what travelers ate, what things sounded and smelled like, everything except the glamorous way to journey by ship to America, which was of course in the first-class cabin, above deck.

Ship to Shore’s tales are gleaned from below, from the sagas of those who couldn’t afford the fancier fare. There’s a door leading to the first-class experience, and wealthy passengers will be visibly enjoying the trappings of life above deck. But that door doesn’t open.

Admission includes access to the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA and is $20 for adults, $16 for youths ages 6-18, and free for children 5 and under. Ship To Shore is a permanent addition to the Galveston Historic Seaport and is open Tuesdays through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets and information is available at www.galvestonhistory.org/shiptoshore.

Plan you getaway at VisitGalveston.com

Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
visitgalveston.com
Phone: 409.797.5000
Email: [email protected]