History of McCulloch County Historical MuseumHistory of McCulloch County Historical Museum
The Heart of Texas Historical Museum is housed in the old McCulloch County Jail. The jail was constructed in 1910 at a cost of $14,418.75. The three-story structure served as the county's correctional facility until 1973. Although never used, it contains a death cell which was converted to a security cell for more "troublesome" prisoners. The first floor consisted mainly of jailer's quarters, with the top two floors housing prisoners.
In 1973 McCulloch County realized Brady's second jail would no longer meet state requirements and would have to be replaced. A group of prominent citizens felt the old building was worth preserving and would make an interesting museum.
In 1974, a private non-profit corporation was set up under the name of "Heart of Texas Historical Museum, Inc." This corporation purchased the jail from the county for $5.00. A local fundraising drive was organized to provide money for restoration of the building. Matching funds were offered by the State of Texas for this purpose. By 1976, restoration was complete and displays began to be installed.
The building was placed on a state list of historical sites which aides the museum in seeking grants to maintain the building. The museum itself has undergone constant improvements. Displays were originally set up in cases donated by local businesses. In recent years new vertical display cases with modern lighting systems have been acquired.
Jon McConnel, columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, called the museum "the best small museum I have seen."
The Museum is currently selling copies of Volume III, Handbook of McCulloch County History. To obtain a copy of this informative source of history for the county, send a check or money order in the amount of $44.95 to P.O. Box 1401, Brady, TX 76825-1401.