While camping on Galveston Island we found this museum about Texas history set in what was originally an orphanage. Key facts for why we stopped: it’s air conditioned and after driving across Texas I have a new respect for why people who are culturally invested here say “Don’t mess with Texas”.The Bryan Museum was originally an orphanage, then shortly was a private residence for a succession of couples then the Bryan Museum. The original orphanage was destroyed by the 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston.Parking hereNext to the glass pavilion used for weddins, this beautiful mother and child statue. I don’t know if it was originally here when an orphanage. This beautiful museum is affordable, and again may I say, air conditioned. The building is full of finely preserved woodwork and architecturally interesting. There are several rooms featuring Texas history, art of Texas, Texas birds, the establishment of San Felipe of Austin colony and the battles surrounding its establishment and the history of the orphanage.First, the love of horse culture: I loved the parade saddles. So much silver, and you can feel the pride that must have been felt by horse and rider with so much style.Silver and leather.This revolver/violin music box played Dixie for us as we walked by. If you are a Yank, take heed, it may be the last song you hear. See below.The Bryan Museum had several prominent women cowgirls and artists featured, one was Vivian White. Below her, you can see a saddle ring given to a bride as a wedding ring. Saddle Wedding RingSocios (partners) by LeaWe have a love for Frieda Kahlo in our house. Diego Rivera and Frieda influenced so many.I loved this painting but didn’t note the artist. There was a room dedicated to the contracts used to determine the fate of Texas and the battles of the Texas Revolution. Here, the Mexican Army fight Texas Colonists. The San Felipe de Austin colonists burned their town down rather than let the Mexicans take it. I didn’t understand the overlap of Spanish Catholic influence of this area all the way into New Mexico until this museum.
Butte Family Abroad 