Updated: 2/13/2012 
Fort Bend Museum Association
Richmond, Texas
Description

The Fort Bend Museum presents exhibits on the local history of the Fort Bend County area, with a particular focus on the settlement of Austin's Colony. Educational programs highlight local history for schools, families and adults. Several historic house museums are adjacent to the museum, including the 1840s Long-Smith Cottage associated with the "Mother of Texas," Jane Long, and the 1883 Congressman John Moore Home. The Association partners with the City of Richmond in the creation and operation of the Richmond Historic District and is also the parent organization for the Fort Bend Archeological Society. The Association also manages the 480-acre George Ranch Historical Park as a living history museum (see separate listing). Upcoming projects include restoration of the 1901 Richmond depot, excavation of a number of historic archeological sites, and temporary and traveling exhibits on local and regional history.

History

Founded in 1967 by community leaders, the Fort Bend Museum opened to the public in 1972. During the late 1970s the Association acquired a number of historic structures, a number of which are open daily to the public. In 1984 it began the Texian Market Days festival, which has served as a catalyst for the organization's growth. In 1988 the Fort Bend Museum Association opened the George Ranch Historical Park in partnership with The George Foundation. In 1991 and again in 1999 the Association received accreditation by the American Association of Museums. The Fort Bend Museum Docents serve as an active group of volunteers for the organization. The Museum Association also created the Fort Bend Archeological Society, which has its headquarters in one of the Association's buildings.

Artifact Collections

Local history artifacts with a focus on the settlement of Austin's Colony. Information on many of the artifact collections are available online at www.fortbendmuseum.org/search.html

Research Collections

Archives, including business and personal papers, county records, photograph collections, and local history reference files. Digitized photograph collections are available online at www.fortbendmuseum.org/search.html

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March 15 - 18, 2025

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Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

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New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

April 5 - 8, 2025

Ithaca, New York

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