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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.

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Admission:

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Adults - $7;

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Seniors 60+/Active or Retired Military/First

Responders/TDCJ Employees/

SHSU Students - $5;

 

Ages 6/17 - $4;

 

5 years and under - No Charge.

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Contact Information:

 

936-295-2155

491 Hwy 75 N

Huntsville, TX 77320

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David L. Stacks - Director

david.stacks@txprisonmuseum.org

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Riley Tilley - Gift Shop Manager

riley.tilley@txprisonmuseum.org

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Suzie Shaw - Office Manager

suzette.shaw@txprisonmuseum.org

 

Joni White - Curator

joni.white@txprisonmuseum.org

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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

Suzette.shaw@txprisonmuseum.org

Gift Shop Inquiries

Riley.tilley@txprisonmuseum.org

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facebook.com/txprisonmuseum

Popular Exhibits

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.

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Ball & Chain

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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.

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Prison Art

Contraband

Bonnie & Clyde

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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

Sunday

12 noon - 5pm

 

PLEASE NOTICE:

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First Monday of Each Month 

Open at 12 Noon - 5 pm

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In observance of holidays, the Texas Prison Museum is closed

New Years's Day - January 1, 2024;

Easter - March 31, 2024;

Thanksgiving - November 28, 2024;

Two days during Christmas, December 24 & 25, 2024.

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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.

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Thank you for your donation!

This Week in Texas Prison History

October 1:   

1937 Eastham Prison Farm -  Two wounded convicts were placed in the state prison hospital in Huntsville today and the bodies of two others were held in morgues, after 27 felons made an attempt to escape late yesterday.  Austin Avers, 35, and Roy Thornton, 28, the former pal of the late Raymond Hamilton and the latter the husband of Bonnie Parker, woman companion of Clyde Barrow, were shot to death when they led the desperadoes out of the south wing of Eastham Farm No. 1.  Forest Gibson, one-eyed murderer of Oletha, near Mexia, Texas and Clyde Thompson, who killed two Eastland, Texas brothers, "just to see them kick," and later murdered a fellow convict, were taken to the prison hospital in Huntsville. Gibson, shot through the back by guard J. M. Thomas, was reported in critical condition.  Thompson was wounded in the shoulder.  Guard Thomas, using a rifle, by his expert marksmanship prevented the band of felons, the most desperate in the entire prison system of 6,000 convicts, from reaching the arsenal.  Capt. J. P. Hamilton, manager of the prison farm said that the convicts had made a key to the door of the south wing. Two of them slipped outside and waylaid a guard D. O. Williams who had been called by one of the convicts "to mail a letter."  The hiding convicts struck Williams from behind and took his gun then went to another end of the wing and captured Guard A. W. Waller.  Avers and Thornton, using the two guards as shields, started for the arsenal in the main building across the prison yard but had to pass the room of Guard Thomas who had been aroused by the noise of the fighting.  With deadly aim Thomas killed Avers and Thornton and wounded Gibson three times without injuring the three hostages. Thompson was shot by Guard Charley Flournoy after the leaders were shot. The other convicts who had waited for a chance to flee were rounded up and taken back to their quarters. (The Mexia Weekly Herald, a publication of the Mexia Daily News, October 8, 1937)


 

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