Discover Texas History: Free Title I Field Trips at The Heritage Society
Engage Your Students in the Story of Texas — Fully Funded for Title I Schools
Thanks to a generous grant from the Summerlee Foundation, The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park is proud to offer free field trip experiences for Title I schools! (Schools to provide transportation)
Step out of the classroom and into Texas history. From land grants and independence to statehood and industrial booms, students will explore how Texans forged their own unique path—transforming a frontier outpost into a modern global powerhouse.
📅 Grant Details & Inquiries
Eligibility: Title I Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
Grant Window: October 2026 – March 31, 2028
Cost: FREE (Covered by the Summerlee Foundation Grant)
Bookings & Inquiries: Email info@heritagesociety.org to reserve your date!
🏛️ What Students Will Learn
Texas is one of the most historically layered states in the nation. The many flags flown over Texas are vividly reflected in its architecture, culture, and traditions. During this interactive tour, students will explore:
Texas Governance & Sovereignty: Uncover the story of Texas from early land grants to independence and statehood.
The Bonanza Era of Industry: Discover how the Port of Houston and expanding railroads powered Texas cattle, cotton, timber, and petroleum—and how Houston industry continues to lead today.
The People & Places: Tour authentic historic homes of Houstonians who lived through and shaped these transforming eras.
🌟 Tour Highlights
Industries That Built Texas & Houston: Hands-on connections between natural resources, transportation, and economic growth.
Six Flags Over Texas: Learn about the sovereign nations that ruled Texas and the local impact of each.
Public Art & Cultural Heritage: View and discuss the Mexican-American History & Culture in 20th Century Houston mural.
Immersive Historic House Tours: Walk through preserved history and experience daily life across different eras:
1823 Old Place: Houston’s oldest remaining structure, representing early pioneer life.
1868 Pillot House: Step into 19th-century Houston family life and Victorian-era innovation.
1905 Staiti House: Discover early 20th-century grandeur, modern conveniences, and the booming oil era.
📋 Plan Your School Visit
DetailInformationLocation
The Heritage Society Museum Gallery
1100 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002
Tour Schedule
Tuesday – Saturday
Timeslots: 10:00 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. | 2:30 p.m.
Popular OptionMost school groups book the 10:00 a.m. tour and enjoy a picnic lunch in scenic Sam Houston Park right after!
Free Parking: Bus and vehicle parking at 212 Dallas St.
Paid Parking: Additional lot available at 1200 Bagby St.
📩 Reserve Your Experience Today!
Grants are limited and booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your school’s free field trip today by contacting info@heritagesociety.org.
The Heritage Society provides immersive experiences for social studies learning in grade levels K-12. Our newly designed tours are based on on-level TEKS for grade K-8 and we encourage our high school groups to consider our curated tours for their more specified needs. The historic house tours last about an hour while the full package, available upon request, is bookable for 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tuesday - Saturday. Special requests may be considered for groups over 100 and Title I schools.
Pricing*:
· Student: $7
· Chaperone/Teacher: $14
* Title I schools may request a discount in pricing. There is also a grant opportunity through the Parks Department.
What your field trip fee includes:
· Private guided tour of three historic homes
· Educational video viewing (by request)
· 1 exhibit-based activity in the Museum Gallery (by request)
· Connally Plaza for lunch time
· Customized itinerary suited for your needs and your students’ success
Recommended houses by grade level:
· K-4th grade: Old Place, St. John Church, and Staiti House
· 5th & 8th grade: Fourth Ward Cottage, Pillot House, and Staiti House
· 6-7th grade: Old Place, Kellum-Noble House, and Staiti House
These recommendations take into consideration the TEKS for each grade level, kid-friendliness of each house, and the experience of our seasoned tour guides. However, all our historic homes may be requested to ensure your students learn what fits closest to your curriculum. To determine curriculum compatibility, see the chart below. High school groups may find our Black History Tour, Women’s History Tour, and German American Heritage Tour of interest, depending on the class they attend our tours with.
TEKS can be found here: https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/laws-and-rules/texas-administrative-code/19-tac-chapter-113
The Heritage Society's student tours bring Texas history to life! On a guided tour, students can visit select historic buildings, a museum gallery exhibit, the General Duncan Store with a hands-on trunk for children, and Sam Houston Park.
We offer tours to the following groups and examples of educational curriculum are included in the “Tours with Educational Programs” by Grade section.
Elementary School Tours
Junior High School Tours
High School Tours
Student Photography Tours
Architectural Student Tours
College History Tours
Home School Tours
Scouting Tours
Let us customize your field trip for your learning goals. Typically, teachers will schedule 3 historic sites and the museum gallery as a learning experience. We also offer From Plantation to Emancipation Black History Tours, Women’s History Tours, and German American History Tours.
Many teachers plan to do picnics at Sam Houston Park or in the shaded plaza. Sam Houston Park also has historical markers, sculptures, and monuments that can used as teaching tools.
School busses can conveniently load and off load at 1100 Bagby Street and park at 212 Dallas Street (parking is free).
Tour Reservations:
Reservations are required for all group tours. Tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. For tour information and reservations, please contact Julio at 713-655- 1912 or tours@heritagesociety.org.
