Galveston’s Will Wright Receives British Empire Medal for Dickens on the Strand Work

On October 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Will Wright, the Chief Creative Officer of the Galveston Historical Foundation, was honored with the British Empire Medal (BEM) during a prestigious investiture ceremony. He is one of only two Americans to receive this formal recognition at the event.

Wright has been awarded the BEM as part of the United Kingdom's prestigious honors system, which encompasses both the Birthday Honors List and the New Year’s Honors List. The accolade acknowledges “active engagement in community service within a specific local region,” as outlined by the Crown's standards. The British Consulate General in Houston recognized him for his contributions to fostering cultural and community connections, particularly through events like Dickens on the Strand and his collaboration with U.K. agencies.

Dickens on the Strand, held in early December, brings to life the charm of Victorian-era England and has long been a prominent festival connecting the cultural ties between Galveston and the U.K. Wright acknowledged the assistance from the consulate in obtaining sponsorships and establishing links with British brands, stating, “It’s been very helpful … Collaborating with an organization enhances our credibility significantly.

Keith Scott, the U.K. Consul General in Texas, lauded Wright’s efforts, describing Dickens on the Strand as “a true jewel in Texas’s cultural calendar.” He remarked that Wright’s vision “enhanced the cultural partnership between the UK and Texas.” During the investiture ceremony, Wright’s family observed with pride as James Roscoe, the U.K.’s Chargé d’Affaires in Washington, affixed the medal to his chest.

This year, notable U.S. recipients included former Ohio Senator Rob Portman and Harvard economics professor Jason Furman. Additionally, Wright engaged with fellow Texan honoree William Huthmacher, who chairs the British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell. Wright chuckled at the idea that King Charles might have personally approved the honors list featuring his name: “They present a list and he gives his signature,” he remarked.

Wright highlighted the significance of the award as a testament to teamwork: “I’m deeply proud of my work with GHF, but even more so of being part of a long history of staff, volunteers, and the community that the BEM acknowledges.” He remarked that Dickens on the Strand stands out as one of the rare GHF events where “almost everyone contributes.”

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Dickens on the Strand 2025, set to take place from December 5 to 7 in the charming historic downtown of Galveston.