Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Rosenberg Library
Photographed By Jim Evans,
1. The Rosenberg Library Marker
The oldest free public library in continuous operation in Texas. Established and endowed in 1900 by the will of Henry Rosenberg (1824-1893), a native of Switzerland who came to Galveston in 1843 and achieved prominence as a banker and merchant. In his will he stated, "in making this bequest, I desire to express in practical form my affection for the city of my adoption and for the people among whom I have lived for so many years, trusting that it will aid their intellectual and moral development, and be a source of pleasure and profit to them and their children and their children's children, through many generations."
This library is the successor to the Galveston Mercantile Library established by the Chamber of Commerce in 1870, donated to the city of Galveston in 1874, and absorbed by the Rosenberg Library in 1905.
Collections include over one million books, manuscripts, letters, documents, objects of art, and historic memorabilia. The library is one of the major repositories of original documents and artifacts related to Texas history.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 7167.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church of Galveston (a few steps from this marker); The Eugenia & George Sealy Pavilion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Al Edwards / Juneteenth Celebration (about 400 feet away); Congregation B'nai Israel Synagogue (about 500 feet away); The Galveston Movement (about 500 feet away); Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away); Eaton Memorial Chapel (about 500 feet away); J.F. Smith House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galveston.
Also see . . . Rosenberg Library. Library website homepage (Submitted on January 5, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Jim Evans,
2. Statue of Henry Rosenberg Who Bequeathed Funds for the Creation of the Library
Photographed By Jim Evans,
3. The Rosenberg Library
Marker is in the far lower right
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2012, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
