Tomball Museum Center
The Tomball Museum Center of Texas is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of Tomball, Texas. The museum is located at 510 N Pine St, Tomball, TX 77375. The Museum was established in 1991 by the City of Tomball and its citizens. Today, the Museum Center operates under the direction of a Board of Trustees that is comprised of representatives from both the City of Tomball and surrounding areas. The Board works closely with the director and staff to ensure that all plans and programs are ready for implementation. In 1894, the town of Tomball was officially established as a railroad depot on an existing farm owned by William G. “Alfalfa Bill” Andrews. A post office was established in 1896, but it wasn’t until 1908 that this area officially became known as Tomball Township, which later became incorporated as a city in 1957. Throughout the early 20 th century, two major industries were born in this small community—the Bell Aircraft Corporation in 1941 and Western Electric Company (E- icom Telephone Manufacturing) twelve years later. These manufacturing facilities provided jobs for many residents who had migrated from other parts of Texas or other states altogether.
History of the Tomball Museum Center of Texas
The Tomball Museum Center of Texas is a collection of historical artifacts, photographs and memorabilia that serves as a repository of the history of Tomball, Texas. The Museum Center is a member of the Texas Historical Commission and is overseen by a nine-member Board of Trustees who comprise citizens from both the City of Tomball and surrounding areas. The Tomball Museum Center has received many awards and recognitions throughout the years. In 2002, the Museum Center was awarded the National Coalition of Applied Museum Agencies (NCAMA) Award of Excellence. In 2003 the Museum Center became a recipient of the Texas Commission on the Arts grant. The Museum Center has also received the Texas Heritage Award, the Texas State Historical Association and the Texas City Hall Association awards. The Museum Center was named one of the top 50 state cultural institutions by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2004.
What items are in the collection?
Museum collections include items from the Gee’s Bend Civil War site, the Bell Aircraft Corporation, Western Electric Company, Tomball High School, the Tomball Independent School District and the Junction City School District. Gee’s Bend Civil War site artifacts include uniforms, weapons, furniture, tools and a Civil War candle used for years as a religious item. Bell Aircraft Corporation artifacts include airplanes and parts from the original Bell 47 helicopter to the Bell 500, 206 and 212 helicopters. Western Electric Company artifacts include Bell equipment, a Western Electric switchboard, an old phone receiver and an original Western Electric manual.
Future plans for the TMCOT Collection
The TMCOT Collection continues to expand through the acquisition of new items. The Museum Center is currently working to acquire items related to the Bell Aircraft Corporation and the Western Electric Company. The Museum Center also has plans to create a digital history database of the TMCOT Collection and to make artifacts available for use in public schools and museums. Future plans also include a possible expansion of the Museum Center’s hours and the construction of a research and education center at the site. Next area.
Conclusion
In the words of the Museum Center’s mission, “The Tomball Museum Center of Texas preserves the history and culture of Tomball, Texas, while providing an educational experience for the general public. We seek to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of our heritage through exhibits, programs and publications.” If you are interested in learning more about the Museum Center of Texas, please visit their website at www.tomballmuseum.org or stop by the Museum Center for a visit.
