Texas Historical Societies

Texas is home to over 1000 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Austin, Houston, and Dallas to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Texas's rich past.

Featured Historical Societies

The Alamo

Location: San Antonio, TX

Founded: 1905 (preservation by Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

Iconic 1836 battle site and former Spanish mission. Sacred shrine of Texas liberty preserving the legacy of Travis, Bowie, Crockett and defenders who died for Texas independence.

Website: thealamo.org

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Location: Dallas, TX

Founded: 1989

Chronicles life, assassination, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Located in former Texas School Book Depository, features extensive exhibits on JFK, 1960s America, and events of November 22, 1963.

Website: jfk.org

Dallas Historical Society

Location: Dallas

Founded: 1922

Dallas County Heritage Society

Location: Dallas

Founded: Date unknown

Arlington Historical Society

Location: Arlington

Founded: 1887

Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society

Location: Fort Worth

Founded: Date unknown

North Fort Worth Historical Society

Location: Fort Worth

Founded: 1976

Collin County History Museum

Location: McKinney

Founded: Date unknown

Heritage Farmstead Museum

Location: Plano

Founded: 1891

Denton County Office of History & Culture

Location: Denton

Founded: 1896

The Heritage Society

Location: Houston

Founded: 1954

Harris County Historical Society

Location: Houston

Founded: 1923

Galveston Historical Foundation

Location: Galveston

Founded: 1954

Beaumont Heritage Society

Location: Beaumont

Founded: Date unknown

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Location: Port Arthur

Founded: 1970/1994

Orange County Historical Society

Location: Orange

Founded: Date unknown

Institute of Texan Cultures

Location: San Antonio

Founded: 1968

San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum

Location: San Antonio

Founded: Date unknown

Webb County Heritage Foundation

Location: Laredo

Founded: 1980

Brownsville Historical Association

Location: Brownsville

Founded: 70 years

Museum of South Texas History

Location: Edinburg

Founded: 1967

Nueces County Historical Society

Location: Corpus Christi

Founded: 1952

The Williamson Museum

Location: Georgetown

Founded: 1997

Hays County Historical Commission

Location: San Marcos

Founded: 1908

Sophienburg Museum and Archives

Location: New Braunfels

Founded: Date unknown

Gillespie County Historical Society

Location: Fredericksburg

Founded: 1934

Kerrville Hill Country Museum

Location: Kerrville

Founded: Date unknown

El Paso County Historical Society

Location: El Paso

Founded: 1954

Panhandle-Plains Historical Society

Location: Canyon

Founded: 1921

Heritage Museum of Big Spring

Location: Big Spring

Founded: 1970

Museum of North Texas History

Location: Wichita Falls

Founded: 2001

East Texas Historical Association

Location: Nacogdoches

Founded: Date unknown

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