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
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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
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.
Ball & Chain
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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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.
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.