Mike Miller, director of the Rosenberg Library, shares the fascinating 150-year evolution of one of Texas's oldest public libraries and how it became Galveston's premier historical research institution. The Rosenberg Library stands as a unique cultural cornerstone housing all four GLAM components—Gallery, Library, Archive, and Museum—preserving irreplaceable Texas history dating back to the early 1700s.

• Founded through Henry Rosenberg's will in 1893, with $600,000 (millions in today's dollars) dedicated to creating a public library
• Opened in 1904 but traces its roots to the 1871 Galveston Mercantile Library, a subscription service created by local merchants
• Houses the collections of the Texas Historical Foundation, focusing on pre-Civil War Texas history and comprehensive Galveston records
• Contains the first map identifying "Galveston Bay" from 1722 and numerous historical treasures
• Established one of the first libraries for African Americans in Texas before quietly desegregating
• Combines all four pillars of information institutions—Gallery, Library, Archive and Museum—making it exceptionally rare for a city of Galveston's size

Galveston Unscripted

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A World War II Marine from Galveston, First Lieutenant Justin G. Mills, was identified 77 years after his death in the Battle of Tarawa. His remains were recovered through collaborative efforts between the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and History Flight

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

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During the Texas Revolution, Galveston Island served as a vital stronghold, supply hub, and temporary capital for the fledgling Republic of Texas. Long before its incorporation as a city, this barrier island was a center of pirate diplomacy, military strategy, and last-resort refuge during the most desperate days of the fight for independence. Galveston's overlooked role in the revolution was critical—not for its battles, but for its grit, geography, and timely support.

Galveston Unscripted

What is Galveston Unscripted?

Follow Galveston Unscripted on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! More history content on Visit Galveston!