Galveston Unscripted | Free. Texas History. For All.

This episode is a rebroadcast from last September in memory of those lost and in honor of the survivors of the 1900 Storm in Galveston, Texas. The storm is still to this day the deadliest natural disaster in United States history.
The episode is a combination of 4 episodes released in weekly chapters in 2022. Some contextual updates have been inserted throughout this episode.
Prepare to step back in time as we traverse the monumental events of the Great Storm of 1900, which left an indelible mark on the vibrant city of Galveston, Texas. Picture Galveston in 1900, a city of wealth and prosperity, home to numerous Texas firsts, is blissfully unaware of the impending disaster as the storm warning flag is hoisted by Isaac Cline, head of the Texas section of the United States Weather Bureau. The city and its inhabitants, uncertain of what lies ahead, continue their daily business.
As the dust settles in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in US history, we take a look at the formidable task of rebuilding and shielding the city. From martial law being declared, to exhaustive rescue and cleanup efforts, and the mammoth undertaking of constructing a seawall and elevating the island, Galveston's resilience is awe-inspiring.

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📱Social and other ways to explore Texas HistoryGalveston Scottish Rite
I sit down with Roy De Gesero, an officer of the Galveston Scottish Rite in Galveston, Texas. We discuss the history of the Scottish Rite in Texas and Galveston. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is a centuries-old, global fraternity founded on principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The Galveston Scottish Rite, established in 1867, holds the distinction of being Texas' oldest chapter and home to the state's initial "high" degrees of Freemasonry. With a resilient history spanning 150 years, the Galveston Valley has overcome challenges like epidemics, floods, and fires, remaining steadfast in its service to members and the community.

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📱Social and other ways to explore Texas HistoryCheck out the Bolivar Point Lighthouse
We delve into the untold tales of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse, an unwavering sentinel that has braved the test of time and the forces of nature. Relive the heart-wrenching accounts of bravery, resilience, and determination that have etched the destiny of this iconic structure, from its role as a sanctuary for 125 souls during the infamous Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Stand in awe as you uncover the tower's unyielding spirit during the hurricane of 1915, with 61 souls seeking refuge within its swaying, towering figure, and the keeper's unwavering dedication to keep its light shining. Marvel at the lighthouse's miraculous survival against an unexpected threat in 1917, as artillery shelling from Fort San Jacinto failed to bring it down, exemplifying its defiance against all odds. Witness the indomitable spirit of the Boyt-Maxwell family, descendants of the keepers, as they weathered the challenges brought by Hurricane Alicia in 1983 and Hurricane Ike in 2008, striving to preserve this historic landmark. Despite being declared obsolete during the Great Depression, the Bolivar Point Lighthouse remains a testament to the indelible human spirit, representing the values of community, family, and unyielding perseverance. Join us in shedding light on the rich legacy of the Bolivar Point Lighthouse, an enduring symbol of courage, trauma, solitude, tranquility, and staying power, now in dire need of restoration to continue its journey into the future.

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📱Social and other ways to explore Texas HistoryListen to the Geo-Trek PodcastIn this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with Dr. Hal Needham, an esteemed extreme weather and disaster scientist based in Galveston, the historic island city with a storied past.

Dr. Hal Needham brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the forefront as he takes us on a captivating exploration of some of the major hurricanes and weather events that have shaped Galveston's history over the last century and a half. As a Galvestonian himself, Dr. Hal's passion for his island home shines through as he discusses how these events have influenced the community, highlighting the resilience and strength of its people in the face of natural adversities.

A true gem in the field of science and podcasting, Dr. Hal Needham hosts the number one podcast on natural disasters, aptly titled "GeoTrek." In this episode, he graciously offers us glimpses into the fascinating world of his own show, where he delves into extreme weather phenomena across not only the United States but also the globe. Through GeoTrek, Dr. Hal brings to light the awe-inspiring power of nature while raising awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Beyond hurricanes and natural disasters, this conversation takes an intriguing turn as we delve into other remarkable historical events and personalities from Galveston's past. Dr. Hal's deep connection to the island and his appreciation for its rich heritage adds an extra layer of fascination to the episode, as we uncover lesser-known stories that have shaped the island's identity.

Whether you're a weather enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the forces of nature that impact our lives, this episode promises to be an enthralling and enlightening experience. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we dive into the world of extreme weather and the captivating history of Galveston with none other than the eminent Dr. Hal Needham, aka Hurricane Hal.

Tune into the GeoTrek Podcast for a whirlwind of an experience!

Dr. Hal Needham is an extreme weather and disaster scientist with 15+ years’ experience conducting data-driven risk analysis for disaster-prone communities. He specializes in science communications to both professional scientists and the public. He hosts the GeoTrek podcast, ranked by FeedSpot as the #1 podcast on natural disasters. Dr. Hal is also an international expert on coastal flooding and directs the U-Surge Project, which provides the first coastal flood climatology for the United States, as well as Australia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India. He resides in Galveston, Texas, site of the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. He has obtained a B.S. from Penn State University and M.S. and doctoral degrees from Louisiana State University.

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📱Social and other ways to explore Texas History
This episode comes from the Rosenberg Library Conversation series where J.R. Shaw sat down with historians to talk about some interesting historical events and people in Galveston and Texas history. Thanks to the Rosenberg Library for allowing Galveston Unscripted to hold live podcast conversations in the library. This conversation series was such a great experience and we captured some awesome interviews.
Dr. Paula Summerly is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Her primary appointment is as the manager of the Old Red Medical Museum, McGovern Academy, Office of the President (UTMB). Prior to holding these positions, she completed scholarships and fellowships at the Institute for Health Humanities (UTMB) the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and the Dittrick Medical History Center, Case Western Reserve University. She curated a permanent medical exhibition for the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, Scotland (2005) and has served as a curatorial consultant both nationally and internationally including Visual Pathology, Galveston Arts Center (2018), the Wellcome Collection’s Forensics: Anatomy of Crime (2015), Dirt: The Filthy Reality of Everyday Life (2011), exhibited at the Wellcome Building, London, UK. Dr. Summerly is working as part of a team to establish a new medical museum in Old Red (the 1890 Ashbel Smith Building) at the heart of the UTMB Galveston campus.

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