County Museum (Gibbs-Powell House)
The Walker County Museum, also known as the Gibbs-Powell House, was built in 1862 by Thomas Gibbs, an early Huntsville businessman. It is built in the Greek Revival style popular in Huntsville and in the South at that time. The Gibbs family was often visited at the home by personal friend Sam Houston. The house has been the home to several generations of Gibbs and Powell families. Female boarders attending Sam Houston Normal Institute in the Nineteenth Century roomed upstairs.
Through the interest of Judge and Mrs. Ben H. Powell III, this home has remained unchanged, and the interior as well as the furniture and furnishings were preserved to be used as a museum.
The house is both a Texas Archaeological Landmark and a recorded Texas Historical Landmark and is operated by the Walker County Historical Commission as a county museum. Furniture, furnishings, books, newspapers, and documents have also been donated by other local families to help accentuate the atmosphere of a gracious family home.
Walker County Historical Museum
In 1984 Walker County entered a lease contract with the Powell family to operate their former family home (Gibbs-Powell House) as a county museum. Responsibility for operating the new Walker County Historical Museum was assigned to the Commission.
The House is furnished in late 19th Century fashions, and visitors can step back in time and discover how life was lived over a century ago.
Tours
Guided tours of the Gibbs-Powell House are available for groups by appointment.
To arrange a tour, call (936) 295-2914, please do not hesitate to call to see if a tour guide or host is available when you are in town.
Operating Hours
The Museum is currently open for walk-in visitors during the hours shown below.
Hours: Tues-Fri 12-5 PM and Sat 12-4 PM (Commission meetings, and Group Tours by Appointment)
Visitors are also welcome during meetings of the Walker County Historical Commission and by appointment.
Admission
- Adults – $4.00
- Students (w/ school or college ID) – $3.00
- Children (6 & under) – Free
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