Texas Prison Museum — Attraction in Huntsville

The Texas Prison Museum, located in Huntsville, Texas, offers visitors a unique insight into the history of the state's prison system. Established in 1989, the museum serves as a testament to the evolution of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the experiences of both inmates and correctional staff throughout its history.

One of the most notable exhibits is the electric chair known as "Old Sparky," which was used in the state’s executions from 1924 to 1964. Visitors can learn about the controversial history of capital punishment in Texas through this display. The museum also houses artifacts such as contraband items confiscated from inmates, prison uniforms, and weapons crafted by prisoners, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience often seen in these environments.

In addition to these somber exhibits, the museum sheds light on the daily life of inmates, including work programs, recreational activities, and the production of goods. Visitors can explore how inmates contributed to the economy by producing textiles, license plates, and agricultural products.

A central focus of the Texas Prison Museum is the role of the Texas Rangers and other law enforcement agencies in maintaining order in the prison system. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to step into the shoes of a prison guard or law enforcement officer, offering a hands-on perspective on the challenges faced by those tasked with running these facilities.

Educational and informative, the museum provides a balanced look at both the harsh realities and the rehabilitation efforts within the Texas prison system. It stands as a valuable resource for anyone interested in criminal justice, penal reform, or the history of Texas itself. The Texas Prison Museum continues to attract visitors from all over the world, eager to learn about this often hidden...

Really interesting place to visit. It shows both sides of the system. They have some really cool displays but could probably have a little bit more to see. It was a fun experience though. My husband really enjoyed it because he had been in the pen there & spent a day during transfer at the walls unit and he made it great by explaining everything. He couldve been the tour guide. The price was good. The staff was so sweet & really enjoyed their job. They have souvenirs to purchase made by the inmates. They had beautiful leather made items and wood made items for sale. The museum purchases the complete products from the inmates and they sell it to insure they have money on their books which is really awesome. The inmates have to purchase their own materials and tools to make these beautiful pieces. Even if you dont visit the museum, you can purchase their work on the museum website. They had bible covers, purses, wallets, rocking horses, wooden hand prayer crosses and a lot of other really neat stuff. While you are there get directions to the inmate cemetery... Peckerwood hill aka joe byrd cemetery. It is a cemetery dedicated to the inmates that had no family or anyone to claim their bodies upon passing. It was beautiful yet very sad. There are over 900 headstones in almost perfect rows. Very simple with their names, Inmate number & death date. And if they were executed, it was displayed on the marker. So interesting. It is a must visit after...

Texas history is always a favorite subject of mine, and I finally got the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to what has become the largest agency in the state: the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The exhibits are comprehensive, spanning the entire history, good and bad, up to the modern day uniforms, equiptment, philosophy and success/failure statistics. Prisoners, wardens, victims, families, staff and celebrities all get a say. Nothing seems to be purposefully left out, and there are surprises around every corner.

Is this place worth planning a trip to? That depends on your interest in the state of criminal justice in Texas in particular, and the U.S. in general. Huntsville seems to be a prison town, with a University to boot, and it is utterly unique in my experience. Lots of good places to eat, and the normal amenities of a small city. Texas hill country is shockingly beautiful, and hunters, fishers, photographers and birders would do well to have Huntsville as their base camp. The night life is rather sedate, other than a few local musicians and those passing through.

There are a few local events and festivals to attend, but the one I now want to see the most is, sadly, discontinued:

Did you know that there was a Texas prison rodeo? I did not, until I visited the museum. It was magnificent. Rome has its Coliseum, Chicago has Soldier Field, and Texas has Huntsville.

Stop by for a visit, and until...