Announcements

The work by premier photographer Barbara Sloan continues with a new set of subjects in 2012. Last Statement is a compassionate look at the victim’s of both sides left behind following an execution. Read more.

Annual Old Timers retirement party. October 13, 2012 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Retirees, come for fellowship and good food.

Special information for school tours now available.
A photograph of the Texas Prison Museum and monument
The Texas Prison Museum attracted its largest number of visitors ever in 2009
A photograph of a meeting in the Texas Prison Museum Conference Center
Preparing for a meeting in our 4,000 square foot conference room. Rental information.

 

Our Popular Exhibits

Unique Audio Exhibit

Photograph of the new Witness to an Execution audio display

Our audio booth has been remodeled and now plays a short loop of the subject matter without the listener having to control any buttons. We currently have an excerpt from the Peabody award winning Witness To An Execution. Witness is a description of executions told by several people who have witnessed executions in the death chamber at the Huntsville, Texas “Walls” prison. Our own Jim Willett is the narrator.

Capital Punishment Exhibit

A photograph of Old Sparky, the decomissioned electric chair used in Texas between 1924 and 1964.
From the time of Independence from Mexico until 1924, hanging was the lawful method of execution in Texas. Hangings took place in the county where the condemned person was convicted.

In 1924 the State of Texas took control of all executions and prescribed electrocution as the method. One of the most chilling exhibits at the Texas Prison Museum is "Old Sparky," the decommissioned electric chair in which 361 prisoners were executed between 1924 and 1964. This legendary device, made by prison workers, was in storage at the Walls Unit Death House before being donated to the museum, and is our most controversial exhibit.

In 1964 executions were stopped while the U.S. Supreme Court decided on the fate of execution practices. Executions resumed in 1982 with lethal injection replacing electrocutions as the means of carrying out the death penalty.

Photograph of the Capital Punishment Exhibit showing a noose, a partial American flag, and several anti-execution news articles.

Prison Contraband Exhibit

"Contraband" is any item that represents a serious threat to the security and safety of the institution. This exhibit shows the craftiness and creativeness of inmates who manufacture weapons from materials found within the prison units. The two examples below are from the display.

Photograph of the Prison Contraband Exhibit showing a switchblade in a pair of shower slides.
Photograph of the Prison Contraband Exhibit showing a stainless steel shank.

Inmate Art

For recreation many inmates utilize their artistic capabilities. Some inmates turn out beautiful drawings, paintings, models, and sculptures. This exhibit highlights various types of art projects created by Texas inmates.

Photograph of examples of inmate art, included a horn and a model ship.
A ship made from match sticks, a horn made from soap, and a rose from toilet paper are a sample of the artistic nature of those in prison.
A photo of a painted saw blade with images of cowboys and a rodeo clown.
This saw blade was used by the saw mill at the Ellis Unit and painted by inmates there.

Prison Hardware

Various types of hardware have been used to contain inmates. This exhibit shows the different types of equipment used over the years, including the old ball and chain, pad locks, and modern handcuffs.

Photograph of the Prison Hardware Exhibit, showing a various styles of handcuffs, cell door keys, and other items.