When you go to the Galveston Historic Seaport, you may immerse yourself in Texan culture while also gaining insight into the history of Gaveston. Galveston Historical Foundation moved ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, the staff and volunteers of the GHF had finished the restoration of this uncommon and historic vessel, which they then turned into a floating museum that could be sailed. Over 40,000 people come aboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA every year, making her one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. She is one of only three ships of her sort in the world that are still actively sailing.

The ‘Ship To Shore’ experience will be available to guests beginning in 2021. It will allow them to retrace the steps of early settlers, from the arduous journey across the ocean with all of its wonders and perils to the frenzied arrival in the 1880s in Galveston, which was then one of the busiest ports and fastest-growing cities in the United States. NEW IN 2021: The ‘Ship To Shore’ experience. Discover more by reading on. Share the adventure of the high seas at the Texas Seaport Museum, home of the celebrated 1877 tall ship ELISSA. Explore the decks of this floating National Historic Landmark which has also been designated one of America’s Treasures by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Walk the decks of the ELISSA and try to conjure up images of the days when courageous sailors sailed the oceans of the world. Learn about the heroic rescue of ELISSA from the scrap yard and the painstaking restoration work that went into her in the museum and theater that are located nearby.

At the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Galveston Historic Seaport, there is a new experience that brings the city of Galveston’s historic immigration saga to life. The Ship To Shore attraction gives visitors the opportunity to retrace the steps of the nation’s first settlers, from the arduous journey across the ocean, which was fraught with both perils and delights, to the tumultuous arrival in the 1880s in Galveston, which was then one of the busiest ports and fastest-growing cities in the United States.

Ship’s Wheel from the Tall Ship ELISSA, Built in 1877
Galveston Historical Foundation moved ELISSA, an 1877 square-rigged iron barque, from a scrapyard in Piraeus Harbor, Greece to Galveston to begin restoration work in 1978. By 1982, the staff and volunteers of the GHF had finished the restoration of this uncommon and historic vessel, which they then turned into a floating museum that could be sailed. Over 40,000 people come aboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA every year, making her one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. She is one of only three ships of her sort in the world that are still actively sailing. She is also a National Historic Landmark, the Official Tall Ship of the State of Texas, and a symbol of the historical origins of the Gulf Coast as a seaport and busy waterfront. She has served in all of these capacities since she was built in 1873. At the Galveston Historic Seaport, guests are greeted by the 1877 ELISSA, a tall ship representing the state of Texas. Daily opportunities to learn about Galveston’s maritime past.