Museum Gallery & Tour Office Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
National Hispanic Heritage Month has begun! See TV host Maggie Flecknoe and Mister McKinney of Historic Houston hosting a Fiesta at our Mexican American mural HERE.
Please DONATE HERE and keep Houston’s history alive. Read Executive Director Alison Bell’s Year-End Letter HERE to learn more our nonprofit.
See our tours HERE. Read about our year-round Black History Tours in The New York Times HERE and view our year-round Women’s History Tours HERE on Great Day Houston. See Ginger Zee of Good Morning America do a tour with us HERE. See a video of National Hispanic Heritage Month kick off with Constellation Energy HERE.
Stories of Houston
Click here to experience a fundraiser about houston ‘s history!
The Heritage Society's 10 historic houses in Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas stand as enduring monuments that not only preserve the city's history but also symbolize its cultural legacy. Anchored in the past, these architectural treasures serve as a cornerstone for the narrative of Houston's evolution, offering a tangible link between bygone eras and the unfolding future. As gateways to the past, our museum gallery, exhibits, houses, events, and collections provide a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Houston's heritage. By exploring the stories encapsulated within their walls, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the diverse communities that have contributed to the city's vibrant mosaic. Moreover, these heritage sites play a pivotal role in shaping Houston's future by serving as catalysts for dialogue and reflection. By embracing the narratives of inclusivity and diversity that these buildings represent, Houston can forge a path towards a more equitable and harmonious tomorrow.
Tour authentically restored buildings that span the city's history from before statehood to the oil boom of the early 20th century. See furnishings that reflect the lifestyles and cultural influences of Houston's earliest residents. Enjoy fun, family-friendly activities for learning about the growth and development of the city. Hear experts tell the stories of the people who came to Houston seeking new opportunities. Experience Houston's history through exhibitions about the city's diverse population. Learn about The Heritage Society’s Museum, Historic Home Tours, Events and fascinating Houston history that lends a beautiful backdrop to our Event Venue & Facility Rentals throughout the scenic campus. We are located in Downtown Houston at 1100 Bagby Street. To see a 2024 calendar of events, head here.
New Interactive Exhibit Showcasing Latin Artists
We are featuring an exhibit with the University of Houston that features Latin artists through an art digital board that also features our mural. Under the leadership of Dr. Pamela Anne Quiroz, Director of the University of Houston’s (UH) Center for Mexican American and Latino Studies (CMALS) launched the groundbreaking digital board, Latino cARTographies: Mapping the Past, Present, and Future of Houston’s Latino Visual Art. The exhibit is on display from Friday, April 26 to December 31, 2024.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo History Exhibit
This HLSR exhibit about Houston’s Rodeo culture and showcases award-winning paintings to vintage bronco bull riding photos.
It is only $5 and includes a walkthrough of the rustic Duncan General Store. Some of the artifacts include-
George Bush Presidential Library Foundation saddle holder
Black and Hispanic Cowboy Heritage
Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Cody Johnson, Alabama, plus more signed guitars showcase (#swifties)
Photography, paintings, collectibles, costumery, and memorabilia of all the competitions
New Black History Signature Experience Tours with Acting!
Saturday, September 14 and 28 at 10:00 a.m. - Actress Khi Stephens and a tour guide breathe life into the struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the times of slavery and the jubilation of freedom. The stories, steeped in authenticity, draw from a script penned by Martha Whiting-Goddard, a direct descendant of Reverend Jack Yates, and once a resident of one of the featured houses you explore.
The 1847 Kellum-Noble House, the 1866 Fourth Ward Cottage, and the 1870 Yates House—each one a UNESCO-designated Site of Memory —stand as pillars of remembrance. As you wander through these homes, you are not just walking through museum exhibits; you are transported to a different era, where each room tells a story of endurance and each artifact a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
New Exhibit: Agatha Babino’s Story
Get Inspired to Discover Your Family Tree and How They Settled in Texas! The Museum of Undertold Texas History (MOUTH) is the exhibitor displaying Agatha Babino’s Story: A Narrative of the Formerly Enslaved. From August 13 - November 9, explore the journey from slavery to freedom in an exhibit about the discoveries exploring one’s family tree from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday.
Facebook Live with Mister McKinney on October 2
Free Exhibit and Film Program on Oct. 3!
Telling Houston’s history through matchbook collections! Meet professor of Guided Studies Steve McCalip at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2024, when Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston showcases his guest’s collections filled with stories about Houston’s important buildings and favorite places of business long gone and those still standing.
The Agatha Babino's Story Workshop and Lecture Series is guaranteed to expand your understanding of the conditions of life in the past. Diving into the circumstances of Agatha's life helps broaden our appreciation for family connections and the ability of generations of African Americans to thrive despite various impeding obstacles.
On Oct. 3, Meet director and producer Gordon Williams of "Beaumont's Black History in Moving Pictures". We invite you to a special screening and discussion of two short films that shed light on the history of African Americans in Beaumont. Go back in time to experience the successes and challenges of Texas’s past. Followed by Q&A.
Historical Huntsville Bus Tour on October 5
History on Tap with Dr. Don Williams on October 15
Lunch & Learn - Oct. 17 for LGBTQ History Month
Join us for an exciting and immersive bus tour experience in Huntsville! This trip offers a unique opportunity to explore significant historical landmarks and learn about Texas’s rich heritage.
“Whose Montrose?: a Neighborhood History”
Elite suburb, “gayborhood,” crime-ridden urban core, cultural mecca, gentrified contradiction – Montrose has been all these things and more. In this talk, Brian Riedel of Rice University will discuss the history of this iconic Houston neighborhood and its place in the city’s imagination of itself.
