“Dickens on The Strand” Will Take Place December 6 & 7 in Galveston, Texas
35th Annual Event Will Take Place as Galveston Recovers from Hurricane Ike
Posted November 26, 2008 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
‘Dickens on The Strand,’ a nationally-recognized community festival held in Galveston, Texas’ historic downtown Strand will take place as scheduled this year, December 6 & 7. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a partner of the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), applauds GHF’s decision to hold the festival even as Galveston recovers from Hurricane Ike.
Galveston's Strand is a National Historic Landmark District. It boasts one of the finest concentrations of restored 19th-century iron-front commercial buildings in the country. The downtown Strand National Historic Landmark District and the residential East End Historic Landmark District comprise the largest federally recognized historic landmark district area in the state of Texas.
"I know from many years of participation what a magical event this is," said Peter Brink, Senior Vice President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, former executive director of Galveston Historical Foundation and one of the originators of 'Dickens on The Strand.'
"After what Galveston has been through, a celebration like 'Dickens on The Strand' is especially meaningful and important for rejuvenating the community spirit. In New Orleans, the first Mardi Gras and the first Jazzfest after Katrina were key to lifting spirits and reminding residents and visitors alike what makes the historic city special. I'm sure 'Dickens on The Strand' will be that kind of event this year," Brink said.
In 2003, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Galveston one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations to recognize the Island as an outstanding place to visit. Visitors can tour beautifully restored residential historic neighborhoods, intact despite Ike. Major landmarks now open to the public include the Bishop's Palace, the 1861 U. S. Custom House, and the 1877 Barque ELISSA. The island's beachfront includes the 17-mile Sea Wall, which stood unbowed before Hurricane Ike. The historic Hotel Galvez, overlooking the Gulf, survived the storm unscathed and is a Historic Hotel of America.
"Dickens on The Strand" originated in 1973 as an evening potluck celebration of Galveston's Victorian-era Strand, including re-enactments from Charles Dickens' novel "A Christmas Carol." The festival was a natural because the blocks of Victorian buildings provide a setting much the same as that of Dickens' time. Over the years the festival grew to hundreds of vendors selling Victorian-era wares such as hot roasted chestnuts, Negus (hot mulled wine), and Scottish eggs, not to mention roasted chicken, ham, and sausages. Scores of Dickens characters roam the street, delighting visitors and culminating in a grand parade led by Queen Victoria.
This year's festival will return to its beginnings – with Victorian vendors setting up in the fronts of the grand Strand buildings. The area will be slightly smaller, and the event will end at dusk, but the attractions, vendors and spirit of this grand event will be in full force. Visitors from outside Greater Galveston should phone ahead for hotel rooms, in shorter-supply due to the recovery.
Come be part of the Christmas spirit and a magical Victorian tradition! Call Galveston Historical Foundation at 409.765.7834 for more information or go to www.PreservationNation.org or www.galvestonhistory.org.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
