Page 4 - Galveston Railroad Museum - Winter News February 2024

Model Train Show

Spring is the time for the Museum’s annual train show.
This year the event is called RailFest: Model Train Rally and
will be held the weekend of 27-28 April.
This year’s event has more to do and see than ever! It
is an immersive experience for kids of all ages. Model
railroad layouts ranging size from N to 1.5” scale will be set
up in the People’s Gallery and under the overhang of Shern
Moody Plaza. There will be blacksmith demonstrations,
vendors selling model trains and railroading memorabilia,
and a food court. Visitors may opt to take a ride on the
Museum’s short bay window caboose.
The fun continues all weekend. Detailed information is
on the Museum’s website.

2024 Rail Baron’s Ball

Museum board member and Houston Gala Chair,
Galveston’s First Immigration Center Patrick Henry, announced that the 2024 Rail Baron’s Ball,
called Wild, Wild West, Will be held on 5 October. Patrick
Coming soon – “Forgotten Gateway: Coming to has set the pace to ensure a spectacular and successful
America through Galveston” will be an exhibit created in annual fundraising event.
partnership with Humanities Texas. It will open to members The event will celebrate the 1999 classic TV series. The
on 1 June and be on display through August. Watch the American steampunk Western theme promises a colorful
website for details. evening of entertainment and a menu fit for a Rail Baron
This exhibit features the immigration center that was and his entourage.
once located at the eastern tip of Pelican Island, adjacent to
Galveston Island.
According to Wikipedia, “when the federal government
replaced state administrations in processing immigrants at
th
the turn of the 20 century, efforts began to redirect the flow
of immigration from the Northeast to Texas.
Pelican Island became federal property, and the
government constructed an immigration center
and quarantine station there. After an outbreak of yellow
fever, the quarantine station on Pelican Island was set up to
ensure the disease did not reach the US population. The
quarantine center was based on the one at Ellis Island, but
was not as large or efficient.”
Storms in 1915 and 1916 damaged the buildings, and
the immigration center was moved to 21 Street on
st
Galveston Island. The Pelican Island buildings were
demolished in 1972. A park now occupies the site.