A group of interested citizens founded the county historical museum in 1979. It was originally located at the old jail building until in 1990 when it was re-located to 3615 North Richmond Road. This move was made possible by generous contributions from the Marshall and Lillie Johnson Foundation and The Gulf Coast Medical Fountation. As well as a sizeable commitment from Wharton County.

The Johnson's former residence, along with the wild game trophy room, is incorporated into the building.

The gazebo shaped trophy room houses an extensive, world class wild game collection as well as a myriad of memorabilia from the Johnson's personal lives. Mr. Johnson was also an avid rock collector. His outdoor cactus garden and interior fireplace in his office (now the research department) are examples of his love for stone.

The Museum primarily houses artifacts from Wharton County and Texas History. Farm and Ranch exhibits portray early settlement and pioneer life that helped develop Wharton County.

The worlds largest inland sulfur dome was located in Newgulf. Many local families have early ties to Texasgulf Sulphur. The museum has a room dedicated solely to Texasgulf.

Noted pulitzer-prize winning author and playwright, Horton Foote, was born in Wharton and continues to maintain a home here. The exhibit here portrays his many plays, movies and his life.

On the museum grounds is the original home of CBS news anchor and managing editor, Dan Rather. He was born in Wharton on October 31, 1931. The little white frame house was moved to its present location and restored in 1992.

The museum sponsors Living History Events and historical re-enactments throughout the year.

The Museum facilities may be reserved for receptions and meetings by special arrangement. Rental Agreement Available.

The Wharton County Museum is dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and traditions of the county. One of the oldest counties in Texas, Wharton is part of the land grant from Mexico settled by thirty-one families of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred, and became one of the earliest core settlements of Anglos and African-Americans.

The Wharton County Museum Research department has an extensive collection of Wharton County Photos, Research Papers, Family Files and County Records. The research link on this website will take you on a journey in the footsteps of Wharton County Ancestors. The public is welcome to come and do genealogical research or Wharton County research in general Monday through Friday and on Weekends by appointment.

Preserving this area's rich human history reaches back over 10,000 years, when Wharton was initially inhabited by Paleolithic cultures that evolved into the coastal Indian tribes of Karankawa and other bands. Pushed out by European settlers, the Karankawa ultimately relinquished some of the most fertile, beautiful, and rich land in Texas.
English, American, African-American, Indian, Czech, Danish, Mexican, and many other cultures formed the tapestry of history that is now preserved in the museum. Come visit us and get a view into one of the best and most dramatic stories in the Americas!

It is Membership time again!!

Here is a note from our Museum Director, Marvin Albrecht

September 27, 2007

Dear Friends,

On September 11, 2007, I stood at the Military Exhibit of our museum
thinking of the colorful war histories of the United States that highlights
some of the most courageous and intelligent minds of the world.

From World War I and II, Korea, Vietman, the Gulf War and now,
Iraq, the stories of America at war are both inspiring and tragic,
Thousands of lives have been sacrificed in the pursuit of freedom and
justice, and to think, the soldiers, sailors and marines of Wharton
County were doing their part.

Think history is boring? Think again.

You can help showcase Wharton County's unique, colorful and diverse
history by joining the Wharton County Historical Museum Association
now. Come to the Museum, and bring your friends.

Respectfully,
Marvin Albrecht, Director

Membership Information

If you would like to become a member please write or call us and we can send you a membership envelope or you can just send a check or money order to us. Here are our levels of membership:

Associate________$25.00
Friend___________$50.00
Supporter________$100.00
Patron___________$250.00
Sponsor_________$500.00
Benefactor_______$1000.00

Below are links that will lead you to pages about just some of the many different exhibits we have displayed in our museum.

History Exhibit