Mission Statement

The Heritage Society (THS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1954 whose mission is to tell the stories of the diverse history of Houston and Texas through collections, exhibits, the arts, educational programs, film, video, and other content.

How We Started

Founded in 1954 by a number of public-spirited Houstonians to rescue the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition, The Heritage Society has since saved an additional nine historic buildings, moved them from various locations to join the Kellum-Noble House in Sam Houston Park, and restored them to reflect their respective eras. These ten buildings, along with the Museum Gallery, serve as historic reference points and exhibition spaces for more than 23,000 artifacts that document life in Houston from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s.

Our Founders

Our founders were preservationists of the Kellum-Noble House in 1954: Birdsall Briscoe, Charles L. and Faith P. Bybee, C.C. “Pat” Fleming, Kenneth Franzheim, Maria T. Gregory, Mary Van den Berge Hill, Ima Hogg, Harvin C. Moore, Sr., Marie Lee Phelps, Alvin S. Romansky, Mary Ellen Shipnes, and Ellen Hamilton Wilkerson. 

Timeline

1954      Founded THS to save Kellum-Noble House

1959      Moved and restored Nichols-Rice-Cherry House; Took over middle section of Sam Houston Park

1960      Built the Kellum-Noble Cottage

1962      Began Annual Candlelight Tour

1963      Moved and restored San Felipe Cottage; Took over north section of park; Began docent program

1964      Built Long Row; Executed lease agreement with City of Houston

1965      Moved and restored Pillot House

1967      Moved and restored St. John Church

1970      Began outreach programs

1972      Accredited by AAM  

1973      Moved and restored Old Place

1975      Received donated Scanlan Fountain and installed in park; Executed new lease agreement

1978      Began collections loan exhibit program

1979      Relocated Nichols-Rice-Cherry House within park

1983      Opened the park to the public on weekends

1984       Executed new lease agreement with City of Houston

1986       Opened museum gallery; Moved Staiti House into Sam Houston Park

1988       Restored and opened Staiti House and gardens

1989       Rose Garden constructed

1990       Reinterpreted Pillot House

1991       Endowment fund established (still active?)

1992       Received donated Neuhaus Fountain and installed in park

1993       Began Amazing Attic Sale

1994       Moved Yates House into Sam Houston Park

1995       Connally Plaza constructed and dedicated; USS Houston Monument installed and dedicated

1996       Opened Yates House

1997       Restored bandstand

1998       Installed new collection of Texas furniture; Closed Pillot House due to flooding by Tropical Storm Frances

1999       Reopened Pillot House

2000      Reached milestone - Texas furniture collection doubles in size

2001       Closed Pillot House and Old Place due to flooding by Tropical Storm Allison

2002      Moved Gulf Coast Cottage (Fourth Ward Cottage) to Sam Houston Park

2003      Relocated and reopened Old Place in middle section of park

2004      Renovated museum gallery

2005      Raised Pillot House 14 feet higher completing exterior restoration

2007      Developed 7th Grade Teachers Workshop

2008      Developed in collaboration with HPARD and MOSE, a master plan for Sam Houston Park

2009      Renewed lease agreement with City of Houston for Sam Houston Park

2010      Moved Baker Family Playhouse to middle section of park

2011       Restored and opened Baker Family Playhouse

2015 Held exhibit Throughout Houston’s GLBT History

2017       Closed Pillot House due to flooding by Hurricane Harvey

2018       Revealed Mexican-American History & Culture in 20th Century Houston mural

2018       Revived NoTsuOh Gala and included “parade” for pets

2019       Reorganized staff; Placed some events and programs on hold

2020     Closed from March to July due to pandemic; Completed phases I and II of 4-year remodel for Kellum-Noble House; Started Facebook LIVE shows; Started online gift shop; Offered Zoom lectures; Offered Candlelight Market as a first; Recognized for Houston Women’s Equality Day and held recreation of a processional for 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote in the park; Implemented virtual tour

2021       Renovated museum gallery made possible by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation; Received Preservation Houston’s Good Brick Award for Kellum-Noble House; Began large diversity events

2022 UNESCO designated three of our houses as part of their Enslaved People’s Route Project; Completed Phase II of Gallery Renovation of offices in Long Row; Tours make National News

2023