Oct. 9 Lecture at McFaddin-Ward House Museum to Spotlight Infamous Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and Hurricane Preparedness Strategies

Oct. 9 Lecture at McFaddin-Ward House Museum to Spotlight Infamous Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and Hurricane Preparedness Strategies

Beaumont, TX; Sept. 23, 2025 – The McFaddin-Ward House Museum will present “Stories of the 1900 Galveston Storm: What We Have Learned,” a free public lecture by Shelly Kelly, followed by community storm plan updates from Judge Jeff Branick, on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Visitor Center Lecture Hall (1906 Calder Avenue, Beaumont).

During the presentation, Kelly, an independent researcher and author, will share stunning stories of the devasting hurricane that unexpectedly struck Galveston in 1900, reflecting on the lasting lessons it left behind and examining how the storm’s impact was magnified by a lack of preparedness. Judge Branick will follow with an overview of modern hurricane forecasting and current emergency response strategies in Southeast Texas.

“The majority of the stories by those who survived [the 1900 Galveston hurricane] include storm warnings, initial street flooding, and later their experiences trying to survive as homes fell apart around them,” Kelly said. “They also mention people helping people, gratitude for surviving, and the shocking realization of the magnitude of devastation and death the next morning.”

A certified archivist with a master’s degree in applied history, Kelly began her archival career at the Galveston & Texas History Center, located in Galveston’s Rosenberg Library, where she worked closely with 1900 Storm collections and researchers. She has co-edited an award-winning book on the notorious hurricane, Through a Night of Horrors: Voices from the 1900 Galveston Storm, and her archival outreach on the subject was recognized with a national award from the Society of American Archivists. Since 2020, Shelly has worked as an independent researcher, writer, and oral history consultant.

“My graduate studies included a focus on oral history, capturing the memories and experiences of people who were participants or eyewitnesses to historical events,” Kelly said. “While working with the Rosenberg Library’s oral history collection, I discovered 11 interviews recorded between 1966 and 1982 with substantial information about their 1900 Storm experience. Some had never been transcribed, meaning their stories may have never been known since the interview took place. Today those interviews are digitized and available for listening at the Galveston & Texas History Center. Ten are printed in narrative form in our book.”

Judge Branick is a former attorney and partner at Provost Umphrey Law Firm. He has served as the elected county judge of Jefferson County since assuming office in 2011. Over the past 14 years, he has worked tirelessly on coastal erosion protection and hurricane storm surge protection for coastal residents. Judge Branick has helped lead the county through several hurricanes and disasters, and he will share his considerable insight into the importance of storm preparedness.

“I think the biggest takeaway [from the 1900 Galveston hurricane] is to know where you live and be prepared to get somewhere safe if your house is in a storm surge or high flood risk area,” Kelly said. “Also, be ready to help those around you.”

McFaddin-Ward House Museum lectures are admission free and open to the public, but space is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, call 409-832-2134.

For those unable to attend, the full lecture will be available for viewing on the museum YouTube Channel (youtube.com/@mcfaddinwardhouse) and website (mcfaddin-ward.org/about/videos) after the event.

Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family that lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features admission-free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house exhibit, and gardens.