May arrives on Galveston Island with that familiar shift in energy - the kind that signals school days winding down, visitors returning in full force, and the island settling into its most inviting weather of the year. 

 It’s a month when the beaches fill, the event calendar overflows, and the island’s rhythm becomes unmistakably lively. Whether you’re here for a weekend, a week, or a lifetime, May has a way of reminding us why Galveston remains such a magnetic place. 

With all that activity, it felt fitting to anchor this issue in something deeper - the island’s history. Galveston’s past is never far from view, but May offers the perfect moment to slow down and look back at the stories, structures, and people who shaped the island long before today’s crowds arrived. This month’s issue leans fully into that heritage, exploring the layers of memory that still echo through our streets. 

Our feature story on the Marwitz Mansion - the Old Castle - is a prime example. It’s a tale of ambition, fortune, reinvention, and loss, and one that reminds us how much of Galveston’s architectural legacy has vanished even as the island continues to evolve. Kathleen Maca brings that history to life with her signature depth and clarity, offering a window into a landmark that once stood proudly at 801 22nd Street. 

We’re also proud to highlight the artists who continue shaping Galveston’s creative landscape today. Featured on our May 2026 cover is St. Andrew, a painting by Galveston-based artist JA Soukup. You can find more of his works at The Studio Experience Gallery, located downtown at 2327 Winnie. To schedule a private viewing of some of his works, email Soukup at soukupfineart@gmail.com. 

Thank you for spending part of this busy, beautiful month with us. Whether you’re exploring the island’s present or rediscovering its past, I hope this issue adds something meaningful to your May.