Unboxing History Podcast By Unboxing History | History Expert Jodi Wright-Gidley & Galveston Author Christine Hopkins cover art

Unboxing History

Unboxing History

By: Unboxing History | History Expert Jodi Wright-Gidley & Galveston Author Christine Hopkins
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About this listen

Explore the past with Unboxing History as we take you on a journey into the captivating Galveston County Historical Museum collection. Uncover the hidden stories behind artifacts, delve into the intricacies of local history, and discover the treasures that connect us to bygone eras. Join us for a unique and insightful exploration of our heritage, one unboxing at a time.


Hosted by local author and Galveston expert Christine Hopkins and Museum Director Jodi Wright-Gidley, "Unboxing History" will delve into the treasures of the Galveston County Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artifact collection and exhibits.


The museum is located inside the courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston, Texas. It is free and open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10 to 4—private tours and a Padlock Mystery game available by appointment.

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© 2025 Unboxing History
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Episodes
  • Galveston’s Pictorial Legacy of Juneteenth
    Jun 11 2025

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    In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright-Gidley explore a World War I poster commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation. They are joined by historian Sam Collins III, who discusses the historical significance of the poster, which links the Civil War to World War I, and highlights key figures like Abraham Lincoln, Paul Dunnbar, and Frederick Douglas. Collins also elaborates on the significance of General Order No. 3 and the Absolute Equality mural in Galveston. The mural, an outdoor classroom, and other initiatives such as the Nia Cultural Center aim to educate and inspire visitors about the history of Juneteenth in Galveston, the birthplace of this pivotal celebration of freedom.

    Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

    Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
    For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

    History of the Galveston County Museum
    The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

    ​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

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    14 mins
  • Unboxing Lesser-Known Stories of Galveston County History
    Apr 9 2025

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    In this episode of Unboxing History, Christine Hopkins and Jodi Wright Gidley, executive director of the Galveston County Museum, delve into fascinating artifacts from Galveston County's rich history. They uncover a Colombian mammoth bone and discuss the area's prehistoric fossils, explore the origins of the town of Algoa, and highlight the significance of early settlers bringing trees and crops to the region. Additionally, quirky historical facts are shared, such as deer swimming across Galveston Bay. The episode also promotes the newly released book 'Galveston County, Texas, A Narrative and Pictorial History,' offering a comprehensive view of the county’s development and interconnected communities.

    Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

    Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
    For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

    History of the Galveston County Museum
    The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

    ​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

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    Follow up on Instagram

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    10 mins
  • Galveston's Mardi Gras Majesty Legacy
    Feb 7 2025

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    In this episode of Unboxing History, hosts Christine and Jodi explore a colorful artifact from the Galveston County Museum's collection – a crown from the 1961 Treasure Ball Royal Court. They delve into the rich history of Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston, detailing key events and traditions that have shaped the festivities over the years. The discussion covers the origins of Mardi Gras in Galveston, the prominent krewes, and the significance of the Treasure Ball. Listeners are also introduced to the museum's permanent Mardi Gras exhibit, which features a vast collection of capes, trains, crowns, and more, highlighting the community's enduring connection to this vibrant tradition.


    Special thanks to the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

    Special thanks to the Galveston Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support and Shawn Schoellkopf for creating and performing the theme music.

    Thank you for listening to Unboxing History, presented by the Galveston County Museum.
    For more information on the Museum, visit our website.

    History of the Galveston County Museum
    The Galveston County Museum was formed in 1976. It was located on Market Street for many years. After Hurricane Ike damaged the HVAC and electrical systems in 2008, the unharmed artifacts were moved. Now, the museum is located in the Galveston County courthouse building at 722 Moody/21st Street in Galveston.

    ​Galveston County Museum is a joint project of the Galveston County Commissioners Court and Galveston County History, Inc. The museum cares for a collection of 20,000 artifacts and archives. We also maintain the Historical Commission's library. If you are interested in research or donating an artifact related to Galveston County history, please call 409.766.2340.

    Follow us on Facebook
    Follow up on Instagram

    Show more Show less
    6 mins
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