Ashton Villa, is a three-story mansion built by wealthy businessman, James Brown in the 1860s. The beautiful Italian design and grand central stairway survived the Civil War, where the estate was actually used as a hospital and meeting place for Union and Confederate forces. Once the war was over, Brown lived in the mansion with his daughter Bettie. Known for her beauty and her love of material objects, Bettie didn’t want to occupy her time looking for a husband, but instead dedicated her life to living luxuriously by collecting, fans, gans, clothes, and art. When she died in 1920, her ghost seemed unable to leave her possessions behind. Many report seeing her ghost in the mansion’s Gold Room, where her collections are now on display, as well as the stairway and second landing. They also report seeing furniture move on its own and ceiling fans turning on by themselves. The house was purchased by the Galveston Historical Foundation, who opened it for the public to visit in 1974. The location now serves as a visitors center for all. Visit at 2328 Broadway St., Galveston.

 

Historical Photo Courtesy of Galveston Ghost

Ashton Villa Present Photo Courtesy of The Galveston Historical Foundation

What better way is there to get closer to the after-life than visiting a museum dedicated to death! The National Museum of Funeral History or the NFMH has the country’s largest collection of funeral service artifacts. They have everything from hearses throughout the years to memorabilia from some U.S presidents’ funerals. There is even an exhibit focusing on the embalming process from ancient Egypt to today, and one celebrating the Mexican custom of Dia de los Muertos, the day of the dead.  They’ve even just recently added a new exhibit about the history of cremation. Their most elaborate exhibit focuses on the extensive rituals and customs associated with the death of a Catholic pope. They also have a gift shop so you can take home very unique items to commemorate your visit. Visit the museum website for ticket pricing and for more information. To honor our veterans, the museum is offering free admission, the entire week of November 11-18. Bring the whole family,  to learn a little bit more about the history of celebrating death.

 

 

 

Outside Museum Photo Courtesy of Vonia P.

Exhibit Photo Courtesy of the National Museum of Funeral History

 

 

 

The Hotel Galvez was built in 1911,  11 years after the historical Galveston hurricane. Nicknamed, ” The Playground of The Southwest”, The Hotel Galvez once hosted many wealthy socialites, businessmen, and celebrities. Ghost stories began in room 505, where a woman hung herself after finding out her husband had passed. The woman, who many have named, “The Lovelorn Lady”, is said to still haunt the fifth floor and also the ladies restroom downstairs. Many guests have reported hearing stall doors violently shaking, toilets flushing on their own, sinks that turn on by themselves and even the strange scent of gardenias. Some investigators have even captured photographic evidence. The hotel even offers seasonal ghost tour packages.  Check out their website for ghost tour dates here. Visit the hotel at 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston.

Maybe you will capture your own photo of a ghost like this one!

 

 

Hotel Galvez Photo Courtesy of Five Star Alliance

Ghost Apparition Photo Courtesy of Galveston Ghost

 Built around the 20th Century, the downtown Houston building, now known as the restaurant Spaghetti Warehouse, is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the nation.  Said to have been an old warehouse for pharmaceuticals, this building houses a lot of paranormal activity. The most popular story is that a young pharmacist fell into an open elevator shaft, and fell several feet to his death. His wife died a year later from the grief.  Many say their souls haunt the restaurant, moving furniture, tapping guests, and moving objects. Some employees are so scared they won’t go upstairs. Visit Spaghetti Warehouse FOR FREE at 901 Commerce St., Houston.

Photograph courtesy of Haunted Rooms America