Remembering Gálvez: a three-part tribute

A new project reveals three initiatives that will take place in Houston in 2019 in honor of Bernardo de Gálvez and his crucial role in the American Revolution.

Spain’s contributions to the founding of the United States and Bernardo de Gálvez’s role during the Revolutionary War come together in three initiatives that are planned to take place in Texas in the near future. The initiatives include a film, an opera, and the unveiling of an equestrian monument. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear the details of all three initiatives.

Bernardo de Gálvez: the film

Native Sun Productions is producing a docudrama of Bernardo de Gálvez’s life. Directed by award-winning Gary Foreman, the script is based on the book Gálvez / Spain – Our Forgotten Ally in the Revolutionary War by associate producer Edward Butler. Other associate producers of the film include Jack Conan, founder of Texas Connection to the American Revolution (TCARA), and retired Spanish Ambassador M.A.F. Mazarambroz. Texas A&M University and the Sons of the American Revolution are also collaborating on the project.

A teaser of the film will be shown at the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain at 6:30 pm.

Yo Solo: the opera

Commissioned by the Houston Order of Granaderos and Damas de Gálvez, Yo Solo is an opera explaining the life of Gálvez and his role. The premiere is scheduled for spring 2019 in Houston and Galveston. Score by Mary Carol Warwick and libretto by Marec Bela Steffens.

A brief synopsis recorded at Rice University in October 2018 will be presented.

Bernardo de Gálvez: equestrian monument

The City of Galveston, named after Gálvez, served as an important Southern port between the 18th and 19th centuries. Now, the city has offered a public space at Seawall Boulevard and 27th Street to be renamed Bernardo de Gálvez Plaza. An equestrian monument will be erected there in honor of Bernardo de Gálvez. The Sons of the American Revolution and the Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez have commissioned Texas sculptor Eric Kaposta to design the project.

Bill Adriance, chair of the project, will explain the design elements of Gálvez Plaza, and will review the production plan, financing, and schedule for the inauguration and unveiling of the statue.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the exhibition Recovered Memories: Spain and the Support for the American Revolution organized by Iberdrola.