Davis, Brian M.: - Founded in 1871 and incorporated in 1954, the Galveston Historical Foundation has grown to become one of the largest local-level preservation organizations in the country. The foundation s mission is to preserve and revitalize the architectural, cultural, and maritime heritage of Galveston Island for the education and enrichment of all. Only a small portion of Galveston s historic buildings are protected by local historic districts, which first appeared in the 1970s. While not every building can be saved, this collection of lost Galveston buildings shows the importance of saving the historic structures that remain, not only in Galveston, but in every town.