Our History

A group of local citizens established the Texarkana Historical Society in 1966. In an effort to preserve Texarkana’s unique history, the group began collecting archival materials. In 1971, the Society opened the Texarkana Historical Museum, now the Museum of Regional History. The new Museum was opened in the historic Offenhauser Insurance building, the oldest surviving brick building in Texarkana.

The collections expanded to include regional and Caddo artifacts and information. The Museum of Regional History includes a vast collection of research materials and photographs available to the public by appointment.

In 1985, the Society obtained the Draughon-Moore "Ace of Clubs" House, which is a unique octagonal house built in 1885. The house was restored and opened for public tours in 1987.

The most recent addition to the Society was in 1990 when Discovery Place Children's Museum opened. Discovery Place is a hands-on museum of science, history, and human perception. It also houses traveling exhibits, a fifty-seat video theater, and a classroom.

To reflect its expanded mission, the Society changed its name to the Texarkana Museums System in 1993. The organization received accreditation from the American Association of Museums in 1991.

All three museums continue to serve Texarkana and the Ark-La-Tex through regular exhibits, public programs, educational events, and preservation efforts

Calendar of Events

Now - May 2010 ~ Decorative Art Series: Textiles from the Collections of the Texarkana Museums System. Click HERE for more information.

Now- May 2010 ~ Tools of the Trade: Industries and Trades in Texarkana, 1870-1920. Click HERE for more information.

March 2010

March 4 ~ TMS Guild Appraisal Gala! 6:30 p.m. Texarkana Country Club; $50 per person, $25 additional to have item appraised.

March 5 ~ TMS Guild Appraisal Brunch! 10:30 a.m. Texarkana Country Club; $30 per person, $25 additional to have item appraised.

March 6 ~ Archaeology and Heritage Fair! Click "Festivals and Events" for more info!

April 2010

Contact Us:

Phone: 903-793-4831

Fax: 903-793-7108

Email: texarkanamuseums@cableone.net

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 2343

Texarkana, Texas 75504

Physical Addresses:

Museum of Regional History: 219 State Line Avenue

Draughon-Moore Ace of Clubs House: 420 Pine Street

Discovery Place Children’s Museum: 215 Pine Street

Staff/Department Email:

Executive Director: Melanie Dowd

Office Manager/Billing Dpt.: Bettie Blackmon

Curator: Jamie A. Simmons

Draughon-Moore House Curator: Melissa Nesbitt

Discovery Place Manager: Alice Penrod

Research Librarian: Sammy Wacasey

Who to contact:

General Questions: Please call 903-793-4831

Group Tours (adult, youth or school): Melissa Nesbitt

Property, Ace of Clubs: Melissa Nesbitt

Birthday Parties, Discovery Place: Alice Penrod

Discovery Place Gift Shop: Alice Penrod

Billing & Memberships: Bettie Blackmon

Collections, acquisitions, website: Jamie Simmons

Ace of Clubs Rentals, Events, Festivals: Melanie Dowd

Research and genealogy: Sammy Wacasey

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