Today we’d like to introduce you to Keller History Museum.
Hi Keller History Museum, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Keller History Museum is located in an almost 100 year old house at 133 Bates Street, the city’s new Festival Street, in Old Town Keller. The house originally sat at 124 Main Street and was built by one of the town’s first bankers. A small group of people, who were in the process of forming the Old Town Keller Foundation, saved the house from destruction in 2013 and got permission from the city to relocate the structure to park property on Bates Street.
By October 2014, the house was ready to open as a museum and operated until the end of 2019 when it closed because of the Covid outbreak. We were forced to remain closed through July of 2023 because of major construction on the Bates Festival Street, which cut off all access to our building. We have been open to the public since the end of July, 2023, holding a Grand Re-Opening in late September and participating in the official opening of the Festival Street in early October.
Our mission is to collect and display artifacts, memorabilia, maps, documents, information about families, and anything else that relates to Keller and the Cross Timbers area. It is too easy for items to be lost and memories to fade with the passing of the older generations. We feel what we’re doing is a valuable service to the community, especially to the younger people who may not know how their ancestors lived.
We have our largest room dedicated to the railroad since the very existence of Keller is due to the advent of train tracks being installed through this area in the early 1880’s. Other rooms hold artifacts from one of Keller’s early doctors; a vintage textile room with a large rug loom from the 1940’s and a sewing machine from the Civil War era; items from a school that was in Keller in 1900; an early Keller post office; a parlor with furniture and a piano from one of Keller’s earliest homes, and story boards telling the history of early Keller and its residents. In addition, Texas Harvest Pie Company uses our commercial kitchen, an incredible addition to the museum because of the many people coming to pick up pies they have ordered. The aroma of baking pies fills the house with the warmth and nostalgia of times gone by.
As a result of our long forced closure, nearly 3 years, we have more or less had to start over. We are hoping more people will find us now that we’re sitting on a street where city events will be held on a regular basis. We make every effort to reach people to let them know where we are and what we have to offer the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of our biggest challenges is letting people know the museum is here. We use social media to advertise our events, such as crocheting classes, weaving classes, cooking classes, decoupage classes, guest speakers and Bunco get togethers. We have a small volunteer staff and are open Friday and Saturday from 11-2, and will give tours by special request other times.
We are also challenged in raising money for operating costs. We rely completely on donations and membership fees to operate the museum.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Keller History Museum has so much to share. We specialize in the local history of Keller and its early families, and also of the Cross Timbers area of north Texas.
We are proud to represent Keller. We truly enjoy sharing its story with everyone. We feel that visitors enjoy the warm welcoming and relaxed atmosphere at the museum.
What are your plans for the future?
The Keller History Museum would like to offer more classes and guest speakers. We also plan to be a part of all future Bates Festival Street events.
Pricing:
- The museum is free to everyone, although we do accept donations.
- Our classes are offered for a $50 donation, which covers all materials.
- Guest speaker events are free to everyone.
- Memberships are: $20 Individual, $40 Family, $100 Business
- Parking is free.
Contact Info:
- Website: Our new website is under construction, but should be up and running very soon. Until then, search otkf.org
- Instagram: Keller History Museum
- Facebook: Old Town Keller Foundation
