Supreme Sacrifice - Foundation Conversations

Join public historian Lily Comstive as she explores Galveston’s deep connections to World War I and the ways the island community chose to honor its fallen. In her lecture, “Supreme Sacrifice: Remembering the Great War in Galveston, Texas,” Lily will discuss the history and meaning of the city’s memorial efforts—including the Honor Roll Monument along the Seawall, the Memorial Oak plaques once lining Broadway, and the 2018 historical marker at the University of Texas Medical Branch campus.

Drawing on her ongoing research, Lily examines how Galveston residents responded to both the outbreak and conclusion of the war, revealing the values and motivations behind these acts of remembrance. Her presentation highlights the significance of reinstating the original Memorial Oak plaques on the island to fulfill their intended purpose: honoring and remembering the seventy-six Galveston soldiers who gave their lives during the Great War.

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

Virtual tickets are also available for guests who would like to view the livestream. A link will be sent prior to the event with instructions on viewing. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy. Lunch will not be provided.

Current GHF member tickets are free for in-person or livestream attendance as part of their #GalvestonHistory+ account. Access will start at 11:15 a.m. on the day of the presentation.

ABOUT LILY COMSTIVE

Lily Comstive is a third-semester Public History graduate student at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She has gained extensive hands-on experience through her work with the Stone Fort Museum, the East Texas Research Center, and a variety of local museums and programs. Her expertise spans collections assessment, historic preservation, archaeology, archival research, oral history projects, and the development of interpretive materials for museum exhibits.

Lily earned her B.S. in History from East Texas Baptist University, where she served as the History and Political Science Department tutor, facilitating individual and group study sessions, research support, and test preparation for students.

Currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Public History, Lily has begun research and writing for her master’s thesis. She completed her practicum as the Edward L. Protz Historic Preservation Intern with Galveston Historical Foundation, where her work laid the groundwork for her thesis and deepened her commitment to historic preservation and public engagement.

ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last seventy years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, museum development, and heritage tourism. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life, and continues to lead on local, state, and national levels with research-driven programs that build awareness of preservation’s role in cultural identity and stewardship across generations.

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