Galveston Island, Texas– In Victorian Galveston, calling was a ritualized way of visiting friends, navigating society, sending sentiments, and carrying out all communications necessary for a successful social life. A person who didn’t participate or observe the strict rules of calling ran the risk of being categorized as “ill bred,” the ultimate Victorian insult. Guests are invited to take a special 1-hour tour of the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, at 1402 Broadway in Galveston, TX, with a special discussion on proper calling card etiquette, on Tuesday, February 24 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at galvestonhistory.org. Spaces are limited.
Tour participants will be treated to a guided tour of the home with a focus on the Gresham’s calling card receiver and other pieces from GHF’s collection. Many of the personal items of Walter and Josephine Gresham, the original owners, are still on display in the house. Renee Tallent, Museum Collections Manager for Galveston Historical Foundation, will show guests how to properly make formal calls as well as the items associated for calling such as receivers, holders and the cards themselves. The calling card discussion will take no longer than 20 minutes, the time a polite call was supposed to last.
ABOUT BISHOP’S PALACE
The Bishop’s Palace (a.k.a. Gresham House) is a contributing building in the East End Historic District, a National Historic Landmark. The house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance in the area of architecture. Architectural historians list the Bishop’s Palace (Gresham House) as one of the most significant of Victorian residences in the country.
For more information, please contact Will Wright, Director of Communications and Special Events at 409-765-3404 or [email protected].