unboxing history: back to school edition

Galveston County Museum
Aug 15
2 min read

Unboxing History: Back to School Edition — A Glimpse into Early Education in Galveston County

Galveston students sometimes rode to school in electric cars—not the kind we think of today, but streetcars that quietly glided along the island’s tracks. This surprising tidbit is just one of the many details in the Unboxing History podcast’s latest episode: Back to School Edition, which dives deep into what school life was like in Galveston County more than a century ago.

Opening the Museum’s Collection

In this episode, Galveston County Museum Director Jodi Wright-Gidley and local author Christine Hopkins explore artifacts from the Museum’s collection that bring to life the rich history of education in the region. From an 1885 teaching certificate to vintage report cards, the conversation offers a rare look at the documents and photos that capture school life in Galveston County.

A Time Before Standardized Rules

As Jodi explains, the 19th-century school system was a locally-governed enterprise. Each city or county could determine its own requirements for teachers, curriculum, and operations. The state’s involvement in certifying teachers and creating unified educational rules didn’t begin until 1911. This localized approach allowed for flexibility but also meant the quality of education varied widely across Texas.

Artifacts that Tell a Story

Listeners will hear about unique items in the collection, such report cards, photographs of early school groups, and the stories behind the artifacts. These artifacts don’t just preserve history—they make it tangible, allowing us to imagine what daily life was like for students and teachers in an era before standardized testing and photocopiers.

Listen, Learn, and Visit

The Unboxing History podcast is available on major streaming platforms, and new episodes continue to pull fascinating artifacts out of the Museum’s collection. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a teacher, or simply curious about Galveston’s past, this episode is worth a listen.

You can also see many of these artifacts in person at the Galveston County Museum, located inside the Galveston County Courthouse. The museum is FREE on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can book a time to play the Padlock Mystery game or schedule a private tour by contacting the museum or by visiting their website.

Remember to tune in to Unboxing History, available on your favorite podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and IHeart, or check out the video version on the Museum’s YouTube channel or Pod NOW on i45NOW.