The Museum for East Texas Culture

We would like to welcome you to The Museum for East Texas Culture located in Reagan Park.

In the early 1900s voters in Palestine passed a $100,000 bond issue for a new high school and the site in the newly formed Reagan Park fronting Micheaux Avenue was chosen for the school. Architects Sanguinet and Staats designed the building. It is Tudor-Gothic style with elaborate brick work.

The building is two storied with a raised basement. There were originally eight lecture rooms; library, gymnasium, laboratories and auditorium. A principal and ten teachers were the first faculty. The school opened in 1916 and the first graduation class was 1917. The high school became the junior high in 1939. In 1955 the school was named for John H. Reagan and served as an elementary school from 1966 until 1976 when it was closed.

The building was to be demolished because of its condition but was saved by a group of dedicated citizens who did not want to lose such a historical part of the city. The building was renovated and turned into The Museum which opened its doors in 1982 for the first weekend of the Dogwood Trails.

The marvelous old Palestine High School is now the depository for the historical treasures of Palestine and Anderson County.

We are indeed "The Keeper of our History."

The museum is a labor of love by a number of volunteers and faithful members. You can become a museum member for as little as $25 per year for the entire family. The Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your membership or donation is tax deductible. Call 903-723-1914 today or stop by the office on the main floor of the Museum to become a member.

We hope you have enjoyed your trip back into history.

Come again soon and tell your friends about your visit.

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