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Museum Exhibits

When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore both our permanent and temporary exhibits, each offering insight into Sam Houston and his time. Our permanent exhibits present the enduring story of Sam Houston and highlight key pieces from our collection, while our temporary exhibits rotate throughout the year.

Permanent Exhibits

The 15-acre grounds of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library offer a variety of permanent exhibits that bring history to life. The main museum features three galleries exploring the many chapters of Sam Houston’s remarkable life and legacy. Throughout the grounds, visitors can tour the Houstons’ Huntsville homes and discover what daily life was like during the era of log cabin living.

  • Sam Houston

    Sam Houston was a soldier, statesman, and influential leader whose life shaped the history of Texas and the early American republic. As commander of the Texian Army at the Battle of San Jacinto, president of the Republic of Texas, U.S. senator, and governor, he played a pivotal role in Texas history and became a lasting symbol of its struggle for independence and identity. 

  • The Houstons in Huntsville

    The Houstons established their home in Huntsville during Sam Houston’s service in the U.S. Senate and his final years, residing first at the Woodland Home and later at the Steamboat House. 

  • Cabin Life

    Explore 19th-century frontier life through three historic log cabins, including Bear Bend Cabin, where Sam Houston hunted, the Guerrant Cabin, and the Roberts-Farris Cabin, featuring a replica of the Houston family mercantile store of his childhood. 

  • South Gallery (Main Museum)

    Step into early 19th-century America and discover the world Sam Houston knew during his formative years in Tennessee. 

  • West Gallery (Main Museum)

    Journey through the Texas Revolution and experience the remarkable story of the Republic of Texas, from its birth to its final days. 

  • North Gallery (Main Museum)

    Trace Sam Houston’s journey from Texas statehood in 1845 through his years as a husband and father in Huntsville, his service in the United States Senate, his opposition to secession as governor, and the final years of his life and enduring legacy. 

Temporary Exhibits

We host temporary exhibits in our exhibit gallery or atrium at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, located at 1402 19th Street. These exhibits are open to the public during regular museum hours. Check out the exhibit schedule below for upcoming exhibitions.

October is Texas Archeology Month. To celebrate, we host an exhibit highlighting a variety of archeological projects from across the state. These projects provide insight into Texas's rich history and heritage through the lens of archeology.


September 22 - October 25, 2026
Location: Exhibit Gallery, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, 1402 19th Street

 

Entries in our photo contest are curated into a public exhibition, showcasing the diverse talent and creative perspectives of the photographers.


November 5 - December 20, 2026
Location: Exhibit Gallery, Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center, 1402 19th Street