About The Heritage Society
The Heritage Society was founded in 1954 by a group of public-spirited Houstonians including Faith Bybee, Harvin Moore, and Marie Phelps to rescue the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition. The founding members—which also included notable preservationists Birdsall Briscoe, Ima Hogg, Kenneth Franzheim, and others—established the organization to save Houston's historic structures and preserve the city's architectural heritage for future generations.
Sam Houston Park and Historic Buildings
Located in downtown Houston's Sam Houston Park, The Heritage Society operates ten authentically restored historic buildings spanning Houston's history from pre-statehood through the early 20th-century oil boom. The Kellum-Noble House, built in 1847 by Nathaniel Kellum and later operated as a school by Zerviah Noble until 1899, stands as Houston's oldest surviving structure. In 2022, UNESCO designated three of The Heritage Society's houses as part of their Enslaved People's Route Project, recognizing their significance in documenting the full story of Houston's past.
Historic Structures Collection
The Society's collection of historic buildings includes the 1850 Nichols-Rice-Cherry House (moved and restored in 1959), the 1868 San Felipe Cottage (restored in 1963), the Pillot House, St. John Church, the Old Place (the oldest building in Sam Houston Park), the Staiti House, the Yates House, the Fourth Ward Cottage, and the Baker Family Playhouse. Each structure tells a unique story of Houston's diverse communities and their contributions to the city's development.
Programs and Exhibitions
The Heritage Society's mission is to tell the stories of Houston and Texas's diverse history through collections, exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach. The organization offers guided tours of the historic houses Tuesday through Saturday, maintains a research library for historians and genealogists, and hosts special events including speaker series and seasonal celebrations. Their Museum Gallery features rotating exhibitions exploring various aspects of Houston's rich cultural heritage.
Plan Your Visit
The Heritage Society is located at 1100 Bagby Street in Sam Houston Park, in the heart of downtown Houston. Historic house tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum gallery and gift shop offer additional resources for visitors interested in Houston and Texas history. For current hours, admission fees, and information about educational programs, visit their website at www.heritagesociety.org.
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