Galleries and Collection Division

The historical artifacts within the museum galleries and collections serve as tangible evidence of historical events while the accompanying text provides context to Texas history. Considerable thought and research goes into the galleries before they are displayed, and exhibits will continue to change to present fresh topics and perspectives. Whether in conjunction with classes or standing alone, students and visitors are able to learn Texas history from touring the facilities. The museum houses over 16,000 artifacts from the 1830s to the present and currently has these major exhibits: "Texas Revolution and Republic", "The Blue and Gray Gallery"; "Texans at War 1939-1945"; "The Vietnam War and Texans' Involvement", and a Weapons Gallery whose focus is World War I. There is also gallery space for temporary and traveling exhibits. The museum averages around 3,000 - 4,000 visitors a year and provides a hands on experience to visitors and students on Texas military history.

On the front grounds of the THM is the "Official Texas State Memorial To Native Born Texas Medal of Honor Recipients." This memorial honors the 56 native-born Texans who received the Medal of Honor. The Memorial's center features two WWII Texan Medal of Honor recipients: Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier, and Samuel Dealey, the most decorated sailor. The memorial will enhance the Texas Heritage Museum's Medal of Honor collections. The museum has an extensive collection of Audie Murphy's personal artifacts from WWII along with James Harris' Medal of Honor from WWII. The memorial will also complement an extensive archive collection of photographs and documents of other Texan Medal of Honor recipients in the Historical Research Center.

Vision Statement of the Galleries and Collection Division

The Texas Heritage Museum seeks and will consider additions to the permanent collection that further the Texas Heritage Museum's mission and promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Texas military history and the experiences of Texans during wartime, both at the front and at home.

For more information, call the Texas Heritage Museum at 254-659-7750

or E-mail: General information