Specialties
The Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a historical and heritage museum located in Cuero, Texas, whose interpretative exhibits, research, and educational programs bring to life the ranching and western heritage of South Central Texas. Among the world-class exhibition artefacts is the famous 'Horsemen of the Americas -- The Tinker Collection', on permanent loan from the University of Texas at Austin.
The Museum's second floor holds a multi-purpose, events and meeting facility available for rental by the public for such special events as weddings, birthdays, cocktail parties, lectures and meetings. The three rooms, 700, 840, and 1,280 square feet, respectively, are available singly or as a suite in the Friar Thomas Community Facility Center, which also features a professional-grade catering kitchen.
History
Established in 2000.
At the dawn of the new millennium, a group of area citizens formed the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum Board of Trustees, dedicated to the founding and perpetuation of a museum to tell the story of South Central Texas's proud contribution to the twin legends of the Texas cowboy and the Longhorn. In 2002, the CTHM Board acquired the 10,000 sq. ft. historic Knights of Pythias Jewel Lodge (b. 1903), at 302 North Esplanade, Cuero's main North-South thoroughfare. Over the next 8 years, working with renowned Texas designers, architects and curators, and through various funds and grants, the building was extensively restored and rehabilitated. The ground floor is home to the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, including office, gift shop and exhibits, while the second floor holds the Friar Thomas Community Facility Center, used for rental space and special events. In the culmination of a dream more than 14 years in the making, the Museum held its grand opening ceremony Saturday, November 23, 2013.