the galveston movement & rabbi cohen

A Journey Across the Atlantic

Imagine being 17 years old, boarding a ship in Bremen, Germany, and spending 18–21 days in steerage with little comfort, crossing the Atlantic to Galveston, Texas. For thousands of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe, this was the reality between 1907 and 1914. Known as the Galveston Movement (also called the Galveston Plan), this organized effort brought families to Texas instead of the overcrowded port cities of New York. The voyage was grueling, but the promise of opportunity—and the welcoming presence of Rabbi Henry Cohen—made Galveston a beacon of hope.

Rabbi Cohen: A Face of Welcome

Rabbi Henry Cohen personally greeted every immigrant ship that arrived in Galveston. He didn’t just offer a handshake—he provided food, clothing, and railroad tickets, and matched newcomers with jobs across Texas and beyond. His compassion ensured that immigrants weren’t left adrift in a new land.

Cohen’s influence extended beyond logistics. He became a trusted figure for immigrant families, offering scholarships, guidance, and even calling on local dignitaries to support those in need. His legacy is still felt in Galveston’s Jewish community today.

Family Stories That Shaped Galveston

In Episode 18 of Unboxing History, sisters Shelley Kessler and Francine Beckman shared how their grandparents, Clara Reinhart and Fred Nussenblatt, arrived through the Galveston Plan. Clara came in 1909, and Fred followed in 1911. Their reunion at the dock wasn’t just familial—it was romantic. Within months, they married in Galveston, beginning a new chapter of their lives.

Though life was hard, they stayed because of family ties and community support. Their story reflects the broader immigrant experience: hardship, resilience, and the pursuit of opportunity.

A Movement Cut Short

The Galveston Movement lasted only until 1914, when World War I halted transatlantic travel. Organizers had hoped to redirect thousands of Jewish immigrants to the Midwest, and many stayed in Texas too. Far from being a failure, the plan seeded Jewish communities across the state and the Midwest, with merchants and families establishing roots in small towns and cities.

Artifacts That Tell the Story

The Galveston County Museum preserves these stories through its permanent immigration exhibit. The exhibit features those personal items that tell the story of those who traveled through Galveston as a port of entry. 

Visitors can now scan QR codes throughout the museum to hear these stories aloud, making history accessible to all.

Why It Matters Today

Behind every artifact is a face, a family, and a story. The Galveston Movement reminds us that immigration is not just about numbers—it’s about lives redirected by history. For descendants like Shelley and Francine, the decision to board a ship in Bremen more than a century ago shaped generations.

Galveston’s role in immigration deserves recognition alongside Ellis Island. It is a story of courage, community, and the enduring impact of one port city on America.

The museum is free to visit Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with private tours and the Padlock Mystery Game available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays.