Galveston is known for many things: beaches, historical sites and tours, and sightseeing…but Charles Dickens? Victorian London? Yes! It’s the annual festival called Dickens on the Strand. Since 1974, Galvestonians and tourists don their Victorian era garb and celebrate all that is Charles Dickens and 19th century London. This festival, put on by the Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF), usually falls on the first weekend in December and presents visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in this historic time.
The Strand is the name of a waterfront street in both Galveston and London. In the 19th century, cotton would leave Galveston and head to London. Architecture in 19th century London and Galveston was similar, so Victorian London in Galveston is an easy jump. Charles Dickens was a popular writer in London at the time and wrote such books as A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and Oliver Twist. Aspects of each of these books can often be found at Dickens on the Strand. You may even see the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, since Galveston is said to be a haunted city!
In the 1970s Galvestonians grew concerned about the empty buildings and the disrepair of the Strand. To call attention to this long neglected area, once known as the “Wall Street of the Southwest,” the GHF used Dickens on the Strand to draw attention to the need for revitalization. It is the primary reason the Strand has been refurbished and renovated.
It didn’t take long for Dickens on the Strand to become one of the most popular community and tourist attractions in the state of Texas. Soon the Strand began to flourish. Once empty storefronts reopened, people began to shop and visit the area. Later, as a direct result of this festival, The Strand Historic District became a National Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places.
This Victorian-themed festival includes people wearing period costumes, which is a large part of the experience, and vendors selling all kinds of food, drinks, and trinkets from the era. There are activities for the young and old; all involved pay homage to Dickens, Christmas, and Victorian London. This festival gives tourists and Galvestonians alike a sensory-filled experience; smell the chestnuts roasting, hear the carolers singing and the town crier, and see the architecture in its holiday best. This architecture is one of the main reasons the GHF began organizing the event and continues to celebrate year after year.
The Treasure of the month is located on the 2nd floor of Rosenberg Library near the reference desk. It can be viewed during regular library hours, 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM Monday through Saturday and from 9:00 AM - 8:45 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For museum questions, call 409.763.8854 Ext. 125 or email museum@rosenberg-library.org. For press inquiries, contact the Communications Coordinator.
