Texas prison museum has the old electric chair and several dioramas as well as information on the infamous guests at the prison.
For anyone interested in the justice system, this is a great place to visit. Lots of history, including famous and infamous prisoners, an actual jail cell, the first electric chair (eerie to see), prison & guard clothing, actual guns used by guards, actual weapons and shims made by prisoners that were confiscated, interesting art carvings and boardgames made by inmates who had lots of time on their hands, old hand cuffs and how they evolved over time. Huntsville boasts itself as the first prison in Texas. The man behind the counter was very friendly outgoing and informative and knew his history well.
This is a pleasant little museumAbout 6 bucks inPlenty ParkingIt has the original Texas electric chair thereOld sparkyMock up cell tooWell worth seeing Huntsville prison up the road too
I highly recommend visiting the Texas Prison Museum! Besides great history behind the Texas Prison System, the museum offers information about inmates and prison life to include infamous and famous people who encountered the system. Also, you can learn about the different programs the system has and had throughout its rich history. The exhibits were very informational and some eerie, like "Old Sparky" (see the photo I shared with this review). I found myself not reading everything because it would have been information overload. Not complaining, I'm just not a big reader. Its's a little out of the way from Houston, but worth the trip to Huntsville if you are visiting the Houston area. It's more of a day trip.There is a fee for entry, but not expensive:Admission FeesAdults: $4.00Children 6 to 17: $2.00Children under 6: FreeSeniors (60+), TDCJ employees, and TDCJ Retirees: $3.00SHSU students: $3.00 (student i.d. card required)Active Military: $3.00 (i.d. required)Enjoy!
We visited the museum and spent an hour or so reading articles and checking out artifacts. It was interesting to us, but not a place for kids
This is a really nice museum about the life then and now at Huntsville Prison. We started with an informative video so you get a pretty good idea ho wit was then and now. Then lots of information and stuff about life in prison and great stories, also about Bonny&Clyde who where embushed there and shot to death. You can also see Old Sparky there, an impressive piece of work, hard to imagine that criminals were executed with that (well, if you’ve seen the Green Mile, you do may be). Really neat museum to visit when you’re in the area.
How interesting and amazing! The gift shop was great and the displays were true to what prison life was in years past. Old Sparky is there on display too.
This is a great attraction. LOTS of stories to read about the days of prison for many notorious wrong doers. There is a short video and lots of memorabilia.. including old sparky..the electric chair... plan to spend a few hours. $5 admission is a great price.
this museum is very interesting. It's also very poignant. Just reading the letters written from family and relatives of both criminals and the victims families is very moving. Well worth a visit if you are in the area
I've visited this place before I was a Corrections officer for Texas and was in aww reading the history of TDC. I also went again the day of my graduation and seen things a lot differently..Very interesting and a great learning experience.