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
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 2025 calendar of events, head here.
New Exhibit: Coastal Cowboys Now Open!
The Heritage Society is proud to present Coastal Cowboys, a traveling exhibition from The Bryan Museum in Galveston, Texas. It unveils the overlooked saga of Texas’s Gulf Coast cowboys and their horses in both the pre, and post-Civil War eras. This groundbreaking show sheds light on a network of Texas coastal ranches that flourished long before Texas found its place on the map, revealing how these cowboys forged a distinct way of life amid sand, salt, and sea. Thank you to co-curator Jim Hodges who is a well-known cowboy, Vietnam combat vet, author/historian, and museum collections producer.
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, 2025.
250th Anniversary Exhibits Coming Soon!
Texas State Library and Archives Commission presents the Texas America250 Exhibit for #America250, TSLAC explores the story of the Lone Star State over the past 250 years. The exhibit highlights historically significant Texas Treasures from their collections, including records from the State Archives. It is scheduled to open on Saturday, August 23 at Happy Birthday Houston's event at 3:00 PM. Come see it for free on opening day from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the celebration!
Stay tuned for two more exhibits in 2026 celebrating America’s 250th!
Evening Speaker Series: Revival of Market Square with Preservation Houston on Oct. 7
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, award-winning preservationist, Minnette Boesel, will share the story of Market Square’s rebirth through first-hand experiences, rare photographs and a preservationist’s perspective on saving one of Houston’s most important historic neighborhoods. The evening begins with a wine-and-cheese reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for non-members. Members attend for free.
Lunch and Learn: German American Heritage Month with Saengerbund on Oct. 16
“German-Americans in Houston: Immigration, Legacy & Historic Achievements” - Saengerbund Houston invites the public to a special Lunch and Learn program exploring the extraordinary story of German-Americans in Houston and Texas on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Speaker Christean Wolfgang Kapp, a first-generation German American and certified professional genealogist, will guide participants through these rich narratives. Tickets are $10 for non-members. Members attend for free.
Champagne and Caviar at the Trone-Howe House with Stephen Fox on Oct. 8
Join us on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. for champagne and caviar reception (compliments of Madame Zero) at the Trone-Howe House in River Oaks. Author and architectural docent Stephen Fox will lead the tour. Celebrated interior designer Bill Stubbs and his partner, noted philanthropist Kurt Grether, bring their signature style and gracious spirit to The Heritage Society as event chairs, championing the preservation of Houston’s rich cultural legacy.
Facebook Live on Oct 1 with Mister McKinney and Kirk Farris
Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston will interview Kirk Farris on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 7 p.m. He's an artist, environmental architect, and Frost Town historian who famously painted the McKee Street Bridge! It's going to be a great one-hour show on Facebook and Instagram, so save the date and tune in here! This is a free program for everyone.
Evening Speaker Series: Port of Houston on Oct. 22
In a pre-celebration of Navy Fleet Week, join guest speaker, Erik Eriksson, who serves as Chief Legal Officer of Port Houston to learn about the history of the Port of Houston. The evening on Wednesday, October 22, begins with a wine-and-cheese reception at 6 p.m. at The Heritage Society Museum, where you can explore Coastal Cowboys, an exhibition celebrating the working cowboys of the Texas Gulf Coast. Eriksson’s talk begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by Q&A. Tickets are $10.
History on Tap with Professor Jonathan Konchak on Oct. 9
On Thursday, October 9, 6:30 p.m., grab a pint, pull up a stool, and join us for an evening where Houston’s oil-pioneering past meets the perfect craft brew. Professor Jonathan Konchak will guide you through the epic odyssey of the Staiti House, from its turn-of-the-century familial roots to its preservation at The Heritage Society. Expect riveting stories of hurricane repairs, architectural flair, and horticultural passion, all served with a side of local lore. Join us at the New Magnolia Brewing Co. at 1616 Bevis Street for our free, lecture series on the second Thursday of the month.
