Welcome to the Texas Prison Museum
The Texas Prison Museum offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of the state's imprisoned citizens. The museum features numerous exhibits detailing the history of the Texas prison system, featuring a look inside the operations behind the fences and walls.
Admission:
Adults - $7;
Seniors 60+/Active or Retired Military/First
Responders/TDCJ Employees/
SHSU Students - $5;
Ages 6/17 - $4;
5 years and under - No Charge.
Contact Information:
936-295-2155
491 Hwy 75 N
Huntsville, TX 77320
Mission Statement
The Texas Prison Museum shall collect, preserve and showcase the history and the culture of the Texas prison system and educate the people of Texas and of the world.
Contact Us
If you've got questions, would like to place a gift shop order, or would simply like to know more about the Texas Prison System, we'd love to hear from you!
General Questions
David.stacks@txprisonmuseum.org
Conference Room Inquiries
susie.harjo@txprisonmuseum.org
Gift Shop Inquiries
facebook.com/txprisonmuseum
Popular Exhibits
Capital Punishment
Exhibit
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.
Old Sparky
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.
Ball & Chain
Prison Art
Contraband
Bonnie & Clyde
Plan Your Visit
Whether you've got a quick 45 minutes to browse, or a few hours to soak in some history, we've got something for everyone!
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Saturday
10 am - 5 pm
First Monday of Month
12 Noon - 5 pm
Sunday
12 pm - 5 pm
In observance of holidays, the Texas Prison Museum is closed on Easter,
Thanksgiving, two days during Christmas, and New Year's Day.
End of Watch Memorial
Many Texas Department of Criminal Justice public servants have lost their lives in the line of duty and from the COVID-19 pandemic. In honor of these fine men and women a remembrance memorial is slated for construction at the Texas Prison Museum. The memorial will be a symbol of their unwavering service and ultimate sacrifice. All donations are welcome and can be made here.
If you have any questions, feel free to email our Director, David Stacks, at david.stacks@txprisonmusuem.org.
This Week in Texas Prison History
Execution accounts are type transcriptions of actual newspaper articles that covered the inmate's execution. In order to maintain accurate historical context of the time period when the articles were written, the language used in them has not been changed.
May 27:
1943 Huntsville Unit (Walls) - Dr. M. D. Hanson, medical supervisor of the Texas Prison System, was attacked by a 43 year-old convict Thursday and stabbed in the shoulder. He was making his rounds of hospital wards at the Huntsville Unit when the prisoner, identified as O'Neal Massey, who was being held in a ward for mental observation, plunged a home-made knife into the physician. Massey is serving a life sentence as an habitual criminal from San Jacinto County. (AP. Dallas Morning News, May 28, 1943)
May 28:
1944 Huntsville Unit (Walls) - "Uncle" Bud Russell retires as the chief transfer agent for the Texas Prison System. It is estimated that Russell hauled 115,000 inmates, allowing only one escape.