Cherish a piece of history in Palestine when you visit the Museum for East Texas Culture. What started as an early 1900s school turned into a museum, as the East Texas Museum is a great place to go when wanting to learn more about this historic city.
History
During the early 1900s, voters in Palestine passed a bond issue for a new school. The school was built on 22 acres with eight lecture rooms, a library, a gym, laboratories, and an auditorium. The school was opened in 1916, but it closed in 1976. It was scheduled to be demolished until citizens gathered and said they didn’t want to lose such a beautiful piece of history. The old school is now the Museum for East Texas Culture, and the rest is history. There are so many exhibits to see and enjoy, so take a look below and make plans for a visit.
Fire Department Room
Developed by the Palestine Fire Department to honor the late local firefighters, you can find historic displays that were once used and seen on the streets of Palestine.
Main Floor Hallway
There are many historic items on display in the hallways at the museum. From cotton bales to old telephones, you will see a side of history you have never seen before.
Railroad Room
The railroad room takes you back to the days of the railroad in Palestine. If you enjoy the history of railroads, this exhibit is right up your alley.
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Contact
The Museum for East Texas Culture knows how much people adore the historic building. With that being said, the auditorium is available to rent. You can have a marvelous wedding, seminar, dance, or even corporate dinner. Also, there are memberships available, and once you see the benefits, it’ll be a no-brainer. Volunteers are also always appreciated at the museum. Docent, events, and fundraisers are just a few ways you can volunteer.