Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and reincorporated in 1954 as a non-profit organization devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last 60 years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life, and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.