Museum Gallery & Tour Office Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Our annual Houston Heritage Luncheon on May 1 is taking us to the landing of the moon! Join us HERE.
Click HERE TO CELEBRATE 55 YEARS OF THE MOON LANDING on MAY 1 AT THE HOUSTON HERITAGE LUNCHEON
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.
Join us on Threads 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 2024 calendar of events, head here.
Join Us for the Heritage Society Luncheon on May 1
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, April 27, at 12:30 p.m. - Reenactor 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.
Our Exhibit Is in FotoFest Biennial 2024!
FotoFest runs March 9–April 21, 2024, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo History Exhibit is featuring the rodeo skills photography of A.D. Hatton (on left).
“Our intent is that the 2024 Biennial, featuring both existing and newly commissioned works from local and international artists, will allow viewers to engage in important dialogues around the social dimensions of space and our shared planet,” says Steven Evans, Executive Director of FotoFest. “We look forward to once again celebrating Houston’s vibrant art and photo community while embracing these new perspectives around place-making, the image, and geography.”
Facebook Live! with Author Richard Cunningham
Join us on Wednesday, 5/1, on Facebook or Instagram at 7 p.m. with Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston as he hosts Facebook Live with author Richard Cunningham speaking about West University History in this free, online program.
West University history is Harris County history, and Cunningham’s book West University Place will take you on a journey of how it transformed then flourished. Cunningham, who is a freelance science writer, is author of the novel, Three Good Leads, a sequel to Maude Brown’s Baby, his debut novel. Three Good Leads is set in Houston and Galveston during the 1918 Influenza pandemic. These fictional books were inspired by authentic vintage photographs that had a life of their own.
Join Executive Director Alison Bell and Mister McKinney for a night of Houston history!
The Ultimate Women’s History Month Group Tour
As seen on KPRC, CW39, and Fox26 Houston, Executive Director Alison Bell and Mister McKinney of Mister McKinney's Historic Houston are celebrating Women's History Month through a new combo bus and historic home tour.
Ask us if you are interested in throwing a party for your gal pals, coworkers, or women in leadership by emailing us at info@heritagesociety.org.
A great reason to tour with us...our subject matter expert, Kennedy, graduated from the University of Houston as a History Major and has interests in gender studies such as Women's history and LGBTQ history.
This experience has been extended to Mother’s Day.
Meet Author Babette Hale & Wine Reception - Free
Urban Cowboy Hoe Down at Sam Houston Park - Free
Texas Badge Workshop for Cub Scouts on May 19
Babette Fraser Hale, the talented author, has penned a captivating book titled This Familiar Heart: An Improbable Love Story and will be sharing her insights in a speech and signing copies of her book at The Heritage Society, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 1100 Bagby Street. We will toast with wine in celebration of her recently published book that promises to be a heartfelt exploration of love, life, and loss. This is a story about appreciation and healing.
The story unfolds the passionate and unlikely romance between popular Houston columnist and author, Leon Hale, and prize-winning writer Babette Fraser Hale, who was twenty-three years his junior. Their journey begins with a turbulent courtship, gradually evolving into a partnership, and ultimately culminating in a long marriage. The poignant tale concludes with Leon’s difficult passing during pandemic isolation in rural central Texas, leaving Babette to reflect on their shared experiences and face unexpected surprises after his death.
To celebrate Sam Houston’s Park 125th Anniversary, The Heritage Society, and Friends of the River Oaks Theatre present a movie that showcases Houston’s culture in the 1980s at a free showing of Urban Cowboy, dancing, and live country music on Saturday, April 27, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in a hoe down on the sprawling lawns at 1000 Bagby Street.
Guests can dance in the park to Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats - Rowdy country crooners from the honky-tonk heartland of HTX as part of the movie preview activities and enjoy snackies and drinks. Dance performances will be announced shortly.
Bring your blankets, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, and Houston Spirit to see Bud and Sissy filmed throughout Houston and Pasadena as they portray a beautiful couple with a soap opera romance in this classic and unforgettable PG-13 movie.
Free parking is available at 212 Dallas Street and paid parking is available at The Heritage Clay Garage.
This workshop on Sunday, May 19, from 1 - 4 p.m., is open to Cub Scouts and complements the Texas Badge curriculum. Scouts will tour the 1823 Old Place and learn about Texas pioneers’ laborious lifestyle and jump forward in time to the 1905 Staiti House and appreciate innovation. Scouts and parents will also enjoy learning about 92 years of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and get an understanding of preserving cowboy and cowgirl skillsets and culture that defines our great state. Snacks and a drink are included.
All Badge objectives will be met - State Symbols, State History, and State Culture.
