General Public and Adult Tours

Reflections on Change: The Maxey House from Reconstruction into the 20th Century
Capacity: up to 30 people
Timing: 45 minutes, guided tours on the hour Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Cost: Families $8, adults $4, seniors and students $3, ages 5 and under free; adult groups $3 per person

Sam Bell Maxey was a Mexican War veteran, former Confederate general, and future U.S. senator when his family moved into this fashionable, newly built home on the south side of Paris in 1868. On a guided tour, visitors will learn how the Maxey family navigated the political and social landscape from Reconstruction-era Texas through the start of the First World War. The home’s restored interiors showcase thousands of original family furnishings and personal effects, which give insight into the lives of the three generations of the family that bore witness to Reconstruction’s challenging legacy.

Witness to Change: A Visitor Led Experience at the Sam Bell Maxey Home 
Capacity: up to 10 people
Timing: approximately 45 minutes, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. 
Cost: Families $8, adults $4, seniors and students $3, ages 5 and under free

This home was built in 1868 for Sam Bell Maxey—Mexican War veteran, former Confederate general, and future U.S. senator—and his family. As you explore the house, you’ll see thousands of family artifacts that portray the height of middle-class fashion during the Reconstruction era and provide insight into the lives of the three generations who lived here. In this home, the Maxey family navigated the political and social landscape following the Civil War through the start of the First World War. In addition to touring the interior of the home, guests are invited to walk the grounds and enjoy the formal Victorian garden of roses and crepe myrtles. 

School Tour

Dora's World: Exploring Reconstruction at Maxey House
Grades: K–12
Capacity: 8–50 students             
Timing: 1.5 hours, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $1 per student. One chaperone for every 10 students is free; additional adults are $4 per person.

Sam Bell Maxey was a veteran, lawyer, and politician who built his family home in Paris after the Civil War. On a field trip to the Maxey House, surrounded by thousands of original artifacts, students will imagine what life during the Reconstruction era was like for Maxey’s daughter Dora. Students will tour the family’s home and participate in an activity targeted to grade-level curriculum. During the scheduling process, teachers will select their activity from a variety of options including period toys and games, electricity, Morse code, archeology, and more.

School and Group Tour Reservations

Tour reservations should be made two weeks in advance by calling 903-785-5716, emailing Sam-Bell-Maxey@thc.texas.gov, or completing this tour request form.

If your group is looking for a specialized tour experience, contact the site directly to inquire about customizing your tour.

Museum Store 

A museum store is located on site with souvenirs and books for purchase.  

Accessibility 

The first floor of the historic home is wheelchair accessible, and ADA-accessible restrooms and parking are available on site. For guests who cannot use the stairs, the site provides a notebook of color photos of the second floor. All visitors should use caution when exploring the outside of the house and gardens due to uneven bricks. 

Facilities 

ADA-accessible restrooms are located at the back of the property in the site’s historic stable. Food and drinks are not available on site. Picnic tables are located on the grounds.  Visitors wishing to use the picnic tables are encouraged to bring picnics but are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the house during tours. Visitor parking is available on site. 

Nearby Attractions 

While you're in the area, visit these nearby sites: 

For additional travel and history information, see the following resources: