Museum Gallery & Tour Office Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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.
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!
Saturdays, May 11 and May 25, 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.
Texas Badge Workshop for Cub Scouts on May 19
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.
Meet Author Babette Hale & Wine Reception on May 21
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 of Leon Hale. This is a story about appreciation and healing.
This event is free for Members, and $10 for Non-Members. To become a member, please click HERE.
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.
