Who We Are
Where freedom took root and history changed forever.
The African American Cultural Heritage District (AACHD) stands at the heart of one of Galveston’s most historic neighborhoods
Established in 2023, this district is home to 10 blocks of Galveston’s most treasured cultural assets, from green event spaces and iconic landmarks to monuments that mark defining moments in American history. Here, freedom found its voice with the birth of Juneteenth, and legends like heavyweight champion Jack Johnson rose to greatness.
Today, that spirit lives on through Mardi Gras celebrations, art festivals, and cultural showcases that honor the past while inspiring the future.
Born from the City of Galveston’s Arts and Culture Master Plan, and shaped by community voices, the
AACHD addresses key priorities, including:
Expanding access to arts and cultural resources
Hosting public events in shared spaces
Embedding art into the fabric of everyday life
Anchored by the Old Central Cultural Center—preserving the legacy of Texas’s first African American high school — and supported by VISION Galveston, the district brings together culture bearers, creatives, and change makers to elevate African American heritage through immersive cultural tourism.
From Courville Stadium to Menard Park, murals to music festivals, the AACHD is a living, breathing tribute to community resilience and the power of cultural expression.
Our Key Collaborators
The formation of the AACHD is a collaborative effort, supported by our many partners and stakeholders. These include:
- The City of Galveston
- Galveston Juneteenth Alliance
- NIA Cultural Center
- La Izquierda Music Festival
- Galveston Historical Foundation
- Urban Sketchers & Plein Air Society
- Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Arts in Activism
- Texas A&M
- NAACP
- Panhellenic Council
- Fanfare Music Academy
- ACCT
Experience Our History
If you want to learn more about these and other historic AACHD cultural sites in Galveston, visit our comprehensive District Registry. Here you will find everything from accommodation and eateries to iconic Galveston tourist attractions!
Join Our Next Event
Experience music, arts, festivals, and shows throughout the year, all celebrating the culture and community of the African American Cultural Heritage District. Our events invite you to step into the story and become part of the district’s living legacy.
We’d love to hear from you!
Are you planning a visit, or do you want to learn more about the African American Cultural Heritage District? Our team is here to help.
