We were here during our visit to Lake Palestine. We found this local historic house that in Tyler…read moreis attraction. During our visit, we saw the art festival is in progress. Due to the festival, the parking is kind of full. The entrance for the historic house is free. Donation is encouraged. This two storey house is colonial style. It turn Smith County. The house was build 1859. Overall the house visit only need 1/2 hour. We took one hour. There are some welcome clerk dress in old colonial time. At this visit, I learn different styles of stitching for the quilt. It is very colorful. The best spot for the picture is at the front with the columns. The other spot is the curve wood rail stair case.

The museum historian/curator was absolutely fantastic. She took her time and gave us a wonderful…read morehistory lesson. You could see and feel the passion she had for this place. I enjoyed every moment there. And bought the cutest post card to mail back home to my dear friend.

This place is deplorable. It's so dusty in here, I couldn't even go in to see the art. I don't know…read moreif it's the carpet, or the ventilation system, or what, but it smells very old, dusty and unhealthy. Even the staff complain of frequent respiratory symptoms, just sitting there at the desk all day. You know, if you're going to call yourself a museum (and charge admission!), you have to meet certain standards - like breathability in your building!!! This place would be a joke if it weren't so disappointing. Oh, Tyler... Tyler, Tyler, Tyler... First your miserable, wretched loop of nothing but strip malls, chain restaurants and parking lots; then your frustrating, pathetic library... and now this. It's sad.

So what do Norman Rockwell, collage genius Lance Letscher and the Illuminated Bible have in common?…read moreThey were all on exhibit at the little ol' TMA. (Forgive the terrible intro...) Admittedly, as an art teacher and painter, I am always in support of museums, no matter how dinky, in small towns. But the TMA is a great space and hosts some fantastic exhibits each year. It's tucked away on the Tyler Junior College campus, and its nondescript exterior hides a lovely cafe area, three ample gallery spaces and a cute patio area with fountain and outdoor sculptures. It's never expensive and hosts several fun events throughout the year. Best of all, somehow the TMA manages to get their hands on some truly stellar pieces... the collection of art books by Letscher a couple years ago was one of the best I've seen (take it from a former Dallas- and Paris-resident). I wish their website were more information and interactive and that they were more visible in the community, but the TMA is without a doubt one of the hidden jewels of Tyler. And when you're done there, wander across the street to the TJC art department to see their rotating exhibits..

Possibly the best museum ever. It has a ton of really cool bits of history! Definitely a must see.read more

Do you like America? Do you love freedom? Then you will absolutely love this museum!…read more My wife and snuck down to Tyler for a weekend and this was a place we wanted to see! The museum is very well presented and well kept. The artifacts on display are simply amazing! You get to walk through the hall of presidents, and then view Americas history through the cost of war. Starting with revolutionary war and the build up to it through the Afghanistan conflict. There is more to see and read than can be taken in in one visit. We spent several hours in there, and even as a bit of a history buff myself, I walked away with some new information. Highly recommended for those who have in interest in what it has cost to create, expand, and defend the principles that America offers! Well done team! Thank you, Morris'

It is a cool needed museum. It covers more than just aviation. It includes sections of periods of…read morehistory, wars, equipment, memorials,simulations a library snd much more. The planes outside are fascinating and show the changes in history and technology. The docents are very knowledgeable and patient. Take your time and stroll through it. Lots of memorials and one of a kind pieces. Great photo ops too. It has a small gift shop area. In the same building is a cafe with good food. If you like travel, history and/ or planes this is a great stop. Limited days and hours do check their website.

It is a great military and aviation museum. If you haven't been there you are missing out on a…read moregreat museum.

It's always hit or miss regarding what you're going to encounter in small city and town museums…read more I was in downtown Tyler on business and just happened to park across the street from this building. Upon investigation I found a nice young lady that told me about the small local history museum,the building and some Tyler history. Very knowledgeable and much appreciated. She pointed out this building was originally an Andrew Carnegie Library. I love the story about his magnanimous philanthropy effort that built libraries across the country Glad I found this one.

Great place to visit, especially if your interested in local history. If your interested in…read moreresearching your family history from Smith County, be sure to check out their archives. A great selection of artifacts on display chronicling Smith County History.

When I was in Japan, I liked trains and railways. Here in Texas, I need to drive. Once upon a time,…read morerails were the most important transportation in Texas. I saw the legacy here. I arrived on Friday, June 12th, 2021 around noon. I was looking for the entrance. Someone told me " it is close on Fridays.'. But I could open the door. A man greeted me. It was free admission. I really liked the collection items. But the exhibition spaces were too small. He put a lot of collections here. He needs to organize the collections and exhibitions. This museum is located around the downtown area. You will see the legacy of Texas rails. Good old days!

Perfect place for our 2 year old to visit. He enjoyed all the trains. The gentleman that was at the…read moreplace was very knowledgeable about the history and about the memorabilia of trains and photos. Great for a rainy day.

To a Tyler local, the annual Rose Parade is just one of the many happenings in the 903, but for a…read morevisitor like my girlfriend, she was absolutely mesmerized by the concept and wowed by all the dresses on display. It's $5 per person to step inside, and there is so much Tyler history on display. I didn't know how hard they went on the dresses and the literary inspirations behind them. The Sun Also Rises got a dress. Fahrenheit 451 got a dress. That's crazy! This was one of my favorite stops during my revisit to Tyler, and it is a great place to take any Tyler newcomers to show them what makes us so unique. RIYL: Dresses or the Met Gala of Tyler

It would be great if this museum would be responsive to emails and phone calls…read more.. We were looking to donate a phenomenal dress that was made for the Tyler Rose festival and the artist passed away about 10 years ago and yeah, the museum can't even give the courtesy of a return phone call