FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2008
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
409-765-7834
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org

Photographs available upon request

$500 REWARD FOR HISTORIC GRIFFIN STOLEN FROM GALVESTON'S BISHOP'S PALACE

One of the cast zinc griffins that have sat for 116 years at the entry to the 1892 Bishop's Palace at 14th and Broadway has been stolen.

Bishop's Palace, Galveston's most highly visited historic attraction (a house museum), has been operated by Galveston Historical Foundation since December, 2007. The building is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The griffin was first reported as missing Monday morning by Jami Durham, GHF's assistant director of historic properties.

Brian Davis and Beth Shriner of GHF made a police report shortly thereafter. Upon further investigation, GHF staff photographer David Canright discovered that the griffin has been missing at least since Friday. He went through the photographs he took at the First Impression Preview Evening Tour (the opening event of the 34th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour) this past Friday evening and the griffin was missing in those photographs. The griffin is approximately three feet tall and has a maker's stamp: "J.L. Mott Ironworks N.Y." at its base.

Anyone with information should call GHF at 409-765-7834. GHF is offering a $500 reward for the return of the griffin.