Elissa (1980)

Duration: 58:20:00

Year Published: 1980

Format: 16mm

Sound: sound

Description: In 1974, the Galveston Historical Foundation purchased the Elissa, a three-masted barque tall ship, to complement the Strand Historic District. After nearly a century at sea—during which it sailed under British, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Greek flags—the vessel was at the time languishing in a salvage yard in the port of Athens, Greece. Before the Foundation could tow the Elissa back to Galveston, however, restoration efforts were required. Produced by Robert Cozens for KUHT Film Production, this educational film thoroughly describes the discovery of the historic ship and first stage of its restoration process, known as the Greek campaign. Next, the Elissa is towed to Gibraltar, where her restoration continues until she is ready to set sail for Texas on June 25, 1979. She arrives in Galveston on July 20. Over the next three years, the Elissa would undergo a complete restoration, formally opening as a tourist attraction on July 4, 1982.