The League-Kempner House

The League-Kempner House The 1893 League-Kempner House is one of the few remaining "Broadway Beauties" in Galveston, TX. Follow along as we completely restore this incredible mansion.

Check our website for tour days and hours.

Check out our latest video! This week we talk more about the sad state of our parlor fireplace and continue work on con...
09/07/2026

Check out our latest video! This week we talk more about the sad state of our parlor fireplace and continue work on converting an antique buffet into a bathroom sink vanity. Link in the comments.

Two days from now will mark the 126th anniversary of largest natural disaster in American history. The Great Storm of 1...
09/06/2026

Two days from now will mark the 126th anniversary of largest natural disaster in American history. The Great Storm of 1900 continues to fascinate us, with its stories of horrific death and destruction.

Those stories were just the beginning. The hard work, perseverance, commitment, and foresight by residents rebuilt this city in ways Galvestonians and visitors still enjoy today, And J.C. League played pivotal roles in restoring the city, including the building of the Seawall, and the grade raising of the city’s homes and businesses.

The morning after the Great Storm, Galveston’s mayor, Walter Jones, created an ad hoc emergency relief committee to assume the monumental task of governing the city and beginning to create order out of chaos. League was active in relief work and on September 23, he was invited to serve on the Central Relief Committee, noting that he was “in urgent need of some one [sic] like yourself” to aid the city. In October, he was one of three men selected to oversee the distribution of relief funds to the destitute in Galveston’s Third Ward.

In 1901, three engineers were hired by the city to design and build a seawall with an estimated cost of $3.5 million [$114 million today], but the city was broke, obtaining credit was a problem, and getting State funds and tax relief difficult. League served on the committee formed in February 1902 to raise the funds to build the seawall through a bond issue, believing that every dollar required could be raised. He was one of the first three subscribers for the bonds, promising $50,000 (about $2 million today) and actively promoted it.

After the seawall was completed, the city assumed responsibility for the $2 million needed to raise 500 city blocks by up to 17 feet. A grade raising committee was selected on Nov 20, 1902, consisting of 23 members selected from the Democratic Executive Committee, the Cotton Exchange, the Deep Water Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Business League, plus five at-large members. League was selected from the Deep Water Committee. Grade raising began following the completion of the first phase of the seawall. By 1911, more than 2,100 structures had been raised and 16 million cubic yards of fill were spread across the island.

So, the next time you stroll along the Seawall, say “thank you” to J.C. League and the many others whose diligent efforts made those possible.

The Spellbound Dancing Witches are back!
09/05/2026

The Spellbound Dancing Witches are back!

09/04/2026

We really needed this.

Today, let's talk about stairs! We've certainly got a lot of them, both inside and out.The front and side entrance stair...
09/03/2026

Today, let's talk about stairs! We've certainly got a lot of them, both inside and out.

The front and side entrance stairs are slate, with each step being a single slab set into brick. The back stairs to the sevant's entrance are brick.

Inside, the wide and gently sloped family stairs go from the first to the second floor. The much narrower and steeper servant's stairs go from the first to the third floor, with a separate set of stairs leading to the ground floor.

Join us on November 21 at the beautiful Moody Mansion for our first fundraising gala — Mourning Tea & Other Victorian Cu...
09/03/2026

Join us on November 21 at the beautiful Moody Mansion for our first fundraising gala — Mourning Tea & Other Victorian Curiosities.

Step back into the Victorian era for an unforgettable evening of wonderful food, live music, history, fellowship, and a few delightfully curious Victorian traditions. Noted author Kathleen Maca will entertain us with Mourning, Manners & Other Curious Victorian Customs.

Most importantly, your evening will help us continue the restoration and preservation of Galveston’s historic 1893 League-Kempner House.

Come enjoy a wonderful evening and help us save a piece of Galveston history.

Space is limited, so reserve your place soon!

Learn more at leaguekempnerhouse.org

Please share this post with friends who love Galveston, history, beautiful old houses—or simply a memorable night out!

We are excited to announce our first fundraising gala! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 21st and join us for a...
08/27/2026

We are excited to announce our first fundraising gala! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 21st and join us for a bit of Victorian fun at the Moody Mansion. Sponsorship and ticket details can be found on our website, leaguekempnerhouse.org

A big thank you to the Mary Moody Northen Endowment for their donation of the mansion for this inaugural event. We are so lucky to have a neighbor like them who has been guiding and supporting us from the beginning.

08/25/2026

There are so many things to do in Galveston it's hard to pick a favorite. But a ferry ride at sunset is high on the list.

It's Sunday video time. This week we kick-off another round of electrical work and install a really "cool" gift from on...
08/23/2026

It's Sunday video time. This week we kick-off another round of electrical work and install a really "cool" gift from one of our volunteers.

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1702 Broadway Avenue J
Galveston, TX
77550

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