Most Americans are aware of Ellis Island’s importance for immigration in our early history. However, many are unaware that Galveston was also an important port of entry during the 19th and early 20th century. Forgotten Gateway, a new exhibit exploring this history, can now be seen at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. The exhibit includes an array of photographs, film footage, graphics, narratives, hands-on interactive experiences, and historic artifacts. Forgotten Gateway was produced by the museum and will travel nationally in 2010 and 2011 to other institutions.

The public is invited to join the Friends of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library for a bus trip to the museum on Thursday, June 25, 2009. The cost of $35.00 includes the bus trip with driver gratuity, entrance to the museum and tickets to exhibits, lunch, and the Texas Spirit Theater. The bus will begin boarding at 7:30am in the Home Depot parking lot across from the library. It will depart promptly at 8:00am. Travelers will leave the museum at 2:30 p.m. and return to the Home Depot parking lot at 4:00pm (The trip will be cancelled if less than 30 people register). Sign up forms are available in the library or on the website: www.bsb.lib.tx.us. They should be completed and submitted with payment by June 10, 2009. No refunds will be made after June 10 unless the bus is full and your space can be filled from the waiting list.

For further information, please call the library at 830-438-4864.