As I gazed at the beautifully handwritten letter from Sam Houston to U.S. President Martin Van Buren, dated May 3, 1837, I realized the thrill of viewing such a significant historical document. Adding to its rare and unique nature was that the letter was signed by Sam Houston as President of the Republic of Texas and it contained the Presidential Seal of the Republic of Texas.
This letter is one of the recent acquisitions for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. Derrick Birdsall became the director in the fall of 2021, and building upon the superb work of former director Mac Woodward, he is on a constant search for documents and authentic artifacts to add to the already impressive collection. Derrick’s love for history was on full display as we talked about the museum and its contribution toward educating the public and creating a greater depth of appreciation for Texas history.
Upon moving to Huntsville in 1847, Sam Houston and his wife Margaret purchased several acres of land, now part of the fifteen acres which make up the museum property and are under the management of Sam Houston State University. Several buildings were erected on the original property–including the Woodland Home, Sam’s law office, a kitchen, and other essential structures and gardens to maintain life and livelihood during that time. The Steamboat House, the home Sam died in on July 26, 1863, was moved on the property in 1936.
While living in Huntsville, Houston served as a United States Senator, and when absent from home, he corresponded almost daily with Margaret, a fact which Derrick notes, “has provided us with a treasure trove of information regarding the Houston family and their daily life.” With some letters on display in the museum, the bulk of the correspondence is online or will soon be online through the museum’s website. In addition to the museum’s online offerings, there is a wealth of digital material available on sites such as “Texas History Trust” and “The Portal of Texas History,” including a four-volume set of Houston letters compiled by descendant Madge Roberts. These documents are rich with details about the Houston family and their daily life.
In 1910, Sam Houston’s home (The Woodland Home) was presented to Sam Houston Normal Institute (which became Sam Houston Teachers College in 1923, and evolved into Sam Houston State University in 1969), and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum was established as a Texas Centennial Museum in 1936. The institution was renamed Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in August 2022 to commemorate the fact that Houston served as the President of the Republic of Texas. This resolution was approved in 2017 by the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas. The complete history of the institution is available in museum literature. Museum staff are always on the lookout for documents relating to Sam’s life.
Plans are currently being developed to build a new section of the museum and library to display the growing number of documents and artifacts from Sam’s years when he served as President of the Republic of Texas. Additionally, the museum staff are preparing to renovate current displays, as well as make seasonal changes to other buildings on the complex. One such example is to update the Woodland home to portray life as Margaret described it during each season of the year.
The museum is not only a repository of historical documents, but uses its staffing and resources to make history come alive through tours, re-enactments, and displays reflective of the daily life and times of the Houston family. These community events are posted on the museum’s website and Facebook page. Demonstrations may include:
These along with many other period activities and skills make it a wonderful place to enjoy a family outing and learn some history in the process. During the summer months, interpreters (usually in period clothing) will be onsite to provide information about the various structures and activities that took place on the Houston farm. The interpreters and living history historians are well-informed and prepared to provide accurate information that has been researched to guarantee its authenticity.
Museum staff work hard to find ways to connect the public with all the museum has to offer. They have developed some new events, including General Sam Houston Day and a concert series named “Sundown at Sam’s,” to be enjoyed, along with the popular annual photo contest.
Other notable events and exhibits include:
• Blue Star Museums – free admission for active-duty military and families: May 18 – September 1
• Saturday Spotlight event: June 8 – July 27, 10 am-2 pm
• Commemorating the Life of Sam Houston – Steamboat House open: July 27, 10 am – 2 pm
• The Café Raven – Honoring Sam Houston: May 21 – September 1
On display at the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center:
• Sam Houston: A Texas Icon: May 16 – August 25
The museum also provides traveling trunks for schools, assists other historic sites with their programs, provides staff to serve as guest speakers to different organizations, and is always open to ideas for educating young people in the hopes of creating in them a love and appreciation for history.
In Derrick’s own words, “It’s an exciting time to be working in a history museum. We enjoy a lot of support from the community and university.” In addition to the new structure for housing the Presidential Library documents and memorabilia, future needs include addressing infrastructure and drainage issues, as well as providing better mobility throughout the grounds. Derrick hopes to have these needs remedied by 2036 when Texas commemorates its bicentennial. This celebrated landmark date will certainly attract state and national attention and put the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library on full display. But until then, we can enjoy the benefits of this local, state, and regional treasure now! If Sam and Margaret were still here, they would be thrilled to know you have visited their family farm and gotten a taste of their Houston family hospitality!
1836 Sam Houston Avenue/1402 19th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
For information regarding days, hours, and fees/donations:
Phone: 936-294-1832
Website: www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Facebook: samhouston.memorial.museum
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
