Texas is home to over 1,000 local history museums. Whether housed in a historic structure or a state-of-the-art new building, each one is dedicated to telling the story of a community’s unique history. Collectively, they preserve the real places and the real things that tell the whole story of Texas.

The Museum Services Program enables small history museums to better carry out their missions by helping them to increase their capacity for meeting professional standards. We do this by providing the following services at no cost:

  • Training
  • Resources
  • Consultations
  • Communications

To be included in the THC Atlas, a history museum must exhibit and interpret objects and stories in a structure designed for public visitation, on a regular schedule at least 120 days per year.

Subscribe to Museum Services Newsletter Updates


Storm Season is Upon Us! 

If you’re seeking immediate assistance with disaster preparedness or have an emergency contact National Heritage Responders at 202-661-8068 or TX-CERA (Texas Collection Emergency Resource Alliance) at 669-237-2243 for expert guidance and on-site support.


Upcoming Training - Fall Webinar Series

  • Museum Store Magic: Harnessing A Strategic Asset for Your Institution
    October 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. CT
    Register Here

Learn More Here


Resources

The Helpful Resources section below provides a number of downloadable resource lists, articles, and other useful information for museums. All previous Museum Services Webinars are archived and available to view at any time. The Connect and Learn section below provides links to trainings hosted by other organizations and services, as well as listings of museum professional organizations. Grants and Fundraising offers resources for grant-writing, fundraising ideas, and an extensive list of grant opportunities relevant to museums in Texas. Review our information on Museum Consultants Working in Texas here.

Consultations

Program staff can provide free, individualized assistance and support to museums in any aspect of museum operations, including but not limited to:

  • Starting, planning, or reorganizing a museum
  • Mission statements, strategic planning, and professional ethics
  • Disaster preparedness and recovery
  • Collections interpretation and educational programs
  • Exhibit planning and design
  • Board development and relations
  • Volunteer recruitment and training 
  • Fundraising and special events
  • Marketing and social media
  • Collections care and security

Communications

Program staff sends email notices on timely information about current trends, available resources, upcoming grant deadlines, training opportunities, and other types of assistance.

Museum Services Contact

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Museum Services Program, please contact the program administrator using the information listed here.

  • Phone:
    +1 512-463-6427
  • Email:
    museums@thc.texas.gov
  • Address:

    P.O. Box 12276
    Austin, TX 78711
    United States