William J. Hill Texas Artisans and Artists Archive - Foundation Conversations

The William J. Hill Texas Artisans and Artists Archive is a freely accessible online database that documents the lives and work of craftspeople working in Texas before 1900. This talk will provide an introduction to the archive and highlight the historic Galveston decorative arts and related resources digitized by the Hill Archive team. Some of the materials discussed will include items in collections around the state, with a focus on a recently discovered collection of art and lithographs by the Galveston company Clarke & Courts, the most prolific lithographic company along the Gulf Coast in the 19th century.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER | Michelle Verret Johnson is the project manager of the Hill Texas Artisans and Artists Archive at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens in Houston. Since joining the Hill Archive in 2014, she has engaged in numerous partnerships at museums, libraries, and with private collectors across Texas to develop this collaborative online archive. She recently served as Chair for the Consortium of Online Decorative Arts, an international advocacy and mentorship group. Michelle holds a master’s degree in Latin American History and Francophone studies from UL Lafayette as well as a master’s in Archives and Information Science from LSU.

You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

This presentation will also be streamed free of charge for all Galveston Historical Foundation members as part of their #GalvestonHistory+ account. Access will start at 11:15 a.m. on October 7th.

Virtual tickets are available for guests who would like to view the livestream but who are not members. A link will be sent prior to the event with instructions on viewing.

You may also like the following events from Galveston Historical Foundation:

• Next Thursday, 10th July, 06:00 pm, Smarty Pints Trivia Night at the Galveston Historic Seaport in Galveston
• This month, 19th July, 01:00 pm, 2025/2026 ELISSA Sail Training Orientation in Galveston
• This month, 26th July, 08:00 pm, Jaws - Strand Summer Series in Galveston

Also check out other Arts events in Galveston, Sports events in Galveston, Virtual events in Galveston.