Sam Houston Memorial Museum – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Inside The Many Faces of Sam Houston Exhibit

by Michelle Moya

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library (SHMM) offers visitors a chance to learn about one of Texas’ most influential figures but its newest exhibition, The Many Faces of Sam Houston, goes a step further. This week, the LEAP Ambassadors visited the museum’s latest display, which explores how Houston’s image has been crafted, challenged, and reimagined over the past 200 years.

The exhibit, which opened July 3, explores how Houston’s public image has evolved over the past two centuries. Featuring portraits, daguerreotypes, sculptures, and illustrations, the collection shows Houston not just as a political leader, but as someone who understood the significance of image. That theatrical quality becomes immediately clear as visitors move through the gallery, seeing how Houston deliberately transformed his appearance throughout his life.

One of the featured pieces is a recently commissioned portrait by Huntsville-based artist Lee Jamison. Inspired by an early daguerreotype, Jamison portrays Houston’s larger-than-life persona in a vivid, contemporary style. Jamison’s work is familiar to many in the community; his mural located at the corner of 12th Street and Sam Houston Avenue in Downtown Huntsville has become a local landmark and tribute to Texas history.

The exhibition also includes a marble bust of Houston by sculptor Elisabet Ney, part of the museum’s permanent collection. Ney, a German-born artist celebrated for her contributions to Texas art and history, presents a thoughtful and dignified version of Houston.

She is also known for her monumental statue of Houston that stands in the Texas State Capitol, further solidifying her role in shaping the state’s visual history.

The photographer Matthew Brady was also famous for documenting history. Indeed, in addition to his famous Civil War photographs, Brady captured 18 of 19 presidents during the mid-to-late 19th century. His photograph Sam Houston, from 1850, is on display.

Another highlight is Texas artist Tom Lea’s design for the five-cent Sam Houston commemorative stamp. Though small in size, the stamp represents a different kind of legacy–one meant for daily use and mass circulation. Lea chose to depict Houston as he appeared during his presidency of the Republic of Texas, offering Americans a consistent and iconic image of their Texas hero with every letter they sent.

The exhibition also includes 19th-century book illustrations and ephemera that reveal how Houston was presented to various audiences throughout his life and long after. Each artistic decision–from clothing to posture to facial expression–reflects how artists and publishers aimed to emphasize particular traits, whether strength, wisdom, or statesmanship.

Taken as a whole, “The Many Faces of Sam Houston” illustrates how carefully Houston curated his own public image and how generations of artists have continued to reimagine him. From Brady’s realistic portrait to Jamison’s modern interpretation, each piece tells us something not only about Houston, but about the era and perspective in which it was created.

The exhibition will remain on view through August 31, 2025, in the Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center’s exhibit gallery. It is free and open to the public, offering a rare opportunity to explore the intersection of art, history, and memory through the life and legacy of Sam Houston.

A Day on the SHMM Grounds

Throughout the summer, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library offers “Spotlight Saturday” programs (10am-2pm), with each one highlighting different aspects of 19th century life.

This past Saturday, LEAP enjoyed one of our many visits to the Museum to learn about spinning, home-made ice cream as made during Sam Houston’s time, and the art of dueling, an interestingly complex artifact of another time.

The ice-cream, always a significant draw, wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, so we walked the Museum’s grounds (approximately 18 acres), enjoying this rustic retreat nestled in the heart of the community. There were waterfowl…

…squirrels, and turtles, including one that had a special need for attention.

When we returned, they were still churning the ice cream.

So, we ventured into the gift shop, which, in many ways, is a typical gift shop for a historical site. There are t-shirts, mugs, magnets, and the like.

But a few things distinguish the Wigwam Neosho. They have a nice book collection, including one written by Mac Woodward, one illustrated by Wade Dillon, and one written by an assemblage of students and staff, as well the excellent Houston biography written by James Haley. Moreover, Neosho has soap and pottery made on the Museum grounds, a nice touch.

We purchased one, this one made by Grady Mangum, who worked at SHSU.

Some of the bowls were a good size for ice-cream, but as it turns out, the ice cream wasn’t yet ready.

Accordingly, we checked out the spinning, which drew a full house.

After roaming the historic buildings on site…

…we managed to catch the leadup to one of the docents’ dueling sessions.

Phillips discussed some of the preparation work…

…including showing off the weapons used (which are also on display in the Museum).

Tim Ross and Matt Phillips discussed the finer points of dueling “etiquette,” which involved the use of seconds/mediaries, how to extricate yourself from an impending duel, and the negotiations over the specifications of the duel (weapon choice, number of paces). Timed for exactly “high noon,” the duel took place in front of us; Ross and Phillips did a realistic enactment of the contest–without, of course, real bullets–taking their paces, aiming, and firing, and without hurting anyone.

With the suspense over and the heat of the day bearing down, we turned back to the porch for ice cream. Unfortunately, it wasn’t ready.

After more than two hours on the grounds and feeling the heat and the pangs of hunger, we prepared to leave, having enjoyed the structures, the nature, and the gift shop, albeit without the ice cream.

Eight is Enough: The Houston Family Legacy

by Olivia Discon

Huntsville is home to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library (SHMM) for good reason. Sam Houston and his family made their home here, and their lasting legacy continues to shape our community. But what did their lives actually look like beyond Sam Houston’s legendary public service? SHMM set out to explore that very question through a new exhibit titled The Fate of the Eight—a look at the lives of Sam and Margaret Houston’s eight children: Temple Lea, Margaret Lea, Antoinette Power, Andrew Jackson (AJ), Nancy Elizabeth, Mary William, Sam Houston Jr., and William Rogers.

LEAP Ambassadors attended the exhibit’s opening reception on May 13, 2025, which was well-attended by community members and history lovers alike. Jude Routh, SHMM Curator of Exhibits, remarked that while the display was expansive, it only scratched the surface of the museum’s Houston family archives.

Centered in the exhibit space were personal artifacts—swords, Bibles, marriage licenses, family photos—that brought the Houstons’ story to life.

Below is a brief look into the lives of each of the eight Houston children, all of whom carved unique paths shaped by their family’s name, their own aspirations, and the changing world around them:

Sam Houston Jr.
Born in 1843 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Sam Jr. was the first child of Sam and Margaret Houston. He attended Baylor University and Bastrop Military Academy before enlisting in the Confederate Army. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, he was later released from a Union prison and returned to Texas. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and practiced in several towns before turning to writing later in life. He died in 1894 in Independence, Texas.

Nancy Elizabeth “Nannie” Houston
Born in 1846 at the family’s Raven Hill plantation, Nannie was the Houstons’ eldest daughter. She was educated at home and at Baylor and was known for her musical talent. After marrying Joseph Morrow, she raised six children and cared for her younger siblings following her mother’s death. She died in 1920 and was buried in Georgetown, Texas.

Margaret Lea “Maggie” Houston Williams
Maggie, born in 1848, assisted her father with correspondence during his later years. She married Captain Weston Williams and lived for many years in Independence, later relocating to San Antonio. When she died in 1906, the Alamo flew its flag at half-mast in her honor.

Mary William “Mary Willie” Houston
Born in 1850, Mary Willie was educated at Baylor Female Seminary. She married John Morrow and, after being widowed, served as postmistress in Abilene. Known for her church involvement and independence, she died in 1931.

Antoinette Power “Nettie” Houston Bringhurst
Born in 1852, Nettie was a gifted poet whose works were sung in Texas schools. Married in the Governor’s Mansion and later active in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she led a literary life. She was killed in a car accident in 1932 and buried in San Antonio.

Andrew Jackson Houston
Born in 1854, Andrew had a long and varied career that included service as a U.S. Marshal, military school cadet, lawyer, and historian. In 1941, at age 87, he was appointed U.S. Senator, making him the oldest person to serve in that body at the time. He supported completion of the San Jacinto Monument before his death that same year.

William Rogers Houston
Born in 1858 in Huntsville, William Rogers Houston was the seventh child of Sam and Margaret. Though often sick as a child, he grew into a strong and devoted man. He served in the U.S. Indian Service, a role that reflected both his sense of duty and the legacy of his father’s early years with Native American communities. William never married and remained deeply connected to his siblings throughout his life. He died while on official duty in Oklahoma.

Temple Lea Houston
The youngest of the Houston children, Temple was born in 1860 in the Texas Governor’s Mansion. A gifted orator and attorney, he gained fame as a frontier lawyer known for his dramatic courtroom presence. He served in the Texas Senate and later as counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad.

The Houston family has a strong legacy here in Huntsville, and it was great for us LEAP Ambassadors to learn more about it through The Fate of the Eight exhibit.

If you happened to miss this exhibit, you are in luck. It runs through June 29, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to check it out and enjoy this wonderful hub of culture and history in the Huntsville community.

Celebrating Creativity & Community: SHMM Annual Photo Contest

For the past 15 years, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum has hosted its Annual Photo Contest, inviting community members to showcase their skills and creativity in photography. It is one of many ways the Museum contributes to the community, and it’s one we look forward to each year!

This year, the participants were divided into two divisions: Amateur and Advanced Photographers, each with categories such as Floral, Animals, Action, Portraits, Fashion, Architecture, Cuisine/Food, and Sam Houston Museum & Grounds.

With LEAP being a multidisciplinary organization, students like myself have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in areas beyond our specific focus, including photography! Encouraged by newfound confidence in my photography, I decided to enter the contest.

SHMM Director Derrick Birdsall with Cinthia Villarreal, President of the LEAP Ambassadors

Photos were due a couple of weeks before the reception, so I had no idea what or who I was competing against. Blindly, I chose to enter the Animal category in the Amateur division (editor’s note: good call on the amateur category) with a photo of a hummingbird I photographed on a LEAP trip.

I also submitted a couple of photos in the Architecture category: one taken in Chicago last year and another in Playa del Carmen a couple of years ago.

Upon arriving at the reception, my jaw dropped. The room was filled with stunning photographs, and a large crowd gathered around to admire them. The evening began with remarks from Jude Routh, the museum’s curator of exhibits, who expressed appreciation for the over 400 submissions.

With great anticipation, she began announcing the winners of each category:

Amateur Division:

SHMM Grounds 1st place – Darlene Lee
Fashion 1st place – Darlene Lee
Floral: 1st place – Cheryl Best
Architecture: Richard Hunt
Cuisine: 1st place – Novalene Thurston

Action: 1st place – Jerry Hunter
Animals: 1st place – Jerry Hunter
Portraits: 1st place – Aiden Fritsche
Best in Show – Isabela Gonzales

Advanced Division:
SHMM Grounds: 1st place – Cade Crippin
Fashion: 1st place – Gary Readore
Floral: 1st place – Cade Crippin
Architecture: 1st place – Meghan Burton
Cuisine: 1st place – Gary Readore
Action: 1st place – Emily Day
Animals: 1st place – Veronica Lorine
Portraits: 1st place – Celeste Rickert
Best in Show – Emily Day

Although my photos didn’t win any prizes, I left the event feeling extremely grateful to be part of a community that appreciates art and celebrates the creativity and talent of others.

Congratulations to all the winners!

The Photo Contest Exhibit will be open to visitors from November 7 to December 22 at the museum’s Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. A special thank you to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s staff for hosting such incredible events that celebrate artistic expression and foster a strong sense of community among us all.

An Evening to Remember: Celebrating Sam Houston’s Inauguration as TX President

By Olivia Discon

October 21, 2024, marked the 188th anniversary of Sam Houston’s inauguration as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. It’s somewhat of a tradition for LEAP Ambassadors to volunteer, but this year’s event had a special twist, with a new Sam Houston Memorial Museum exhibit featuring Houston’s Executive “Mansion.”

As volunteers, we assisted in greeting guests throughout the museum. Michelle and Chrissy were tasked with driving attendees in golf carts from the parking lot to the museum. While their driving may have inspired a newfound appreciation for walking among some, the passengers arrived in good spirits.

The celebration was well-attended, with approximately 100 guests, including local figures such as Mac and Leanne Woodward, Michelle and Winston Spencer, Mary Laura Gibbs, Glynda Turner, former Mayor Jane Monday,Vice-President Matt Bethea, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Tabitha Shanley, Interim City Manager Sam Maisel…

…and Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center Heather Caudle.

And yes, Derrick Birdsall was there too.

One of the most exciting moments was meeting the renowned sculptor David Adickes, the man behind “A Tribute to Courage,” also known as “Big Sam.”

It’s safe to say we were star struck in more ways than one.

Once everyone had settled in, Matt Bethea, SHSU’s Director of University Advancement, gave opening remarks, discussing how the investment in university advancement strengthens SHSU’s position and puts it on a stronger playing field. His remarks highlighted the broader significance of projects like this exhibit for the university’s future.

Derrick then took the stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering a brief explanation of how the executive mansion exhibit came to life.

He shared the backstory of incorporating the mansion into the existing galleries, with help from local company Steely Lumber, which provided key materials for the project.

The exhibit itself is a interactive and fun representation of Houston’s life, styled after “an college student’s dorm room on a Monday night.”

It highlighted Houston’s well-known gambling habits and showcased his love for books, offering a balanced portrayal of both his vices and intellectual interests.

Another renowned artist, Lee Jamison, took the time to speak with us as well. His work can be found all over the state, and many of the LEAP Ambassadors—past and present—are huge fans of his distinctive style. A favorite of many is his painting of Old Main from his Huntsville at Night series. It was fun to hear him recount the many efforts that went into crafting the piece, including the detailed research into the stained glass windows. While I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad knowing I’ll never get to see the building in person, his painting offers the next best thing.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum always puts on fantastic events, and for many of the students, it was their first time visiting the museum. It was truly an evening to remember!

A Trip Down Memory Lane at the Cafe Raven Exhibit

Olivia Discon

Cinthia and I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening reception for the Cafe Raven Exhibit at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. This special exhibit, titled “The Cafe Raven: Honoring Sam Houston,” celebrates the Cafe Raven and its nearly 40 years in business, its deep-rooted community support, and its unique relationship with the history of Sam Houston.

In the spirit of the occasion, Cinthia and I volunteered as 50’s-era servers. For the evening, we took on the personas of Betty and Erma, adding a touch of nostalgia and fun to the event.

Olivia and Cinthia, as “Betty” and “Erma”

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from the community come out to support this exhibit. From the University, General Glaser, Matt Bethea, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Hollie Garza, and Charlie Vienne; and, of course, those from the Museum: Derrick Birdsall, Jude Routh, Megan Buro, and Nancy Gahan; and from the Huntsville Community, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Jeff Murski, and Lee Jamison. Interestingly, Jamison, an accomplished artist, painted a replica of Cafe Raven’s signage for the occasion!

The Cafe Raven, which was located in downtown Huntsville, was named after Sam Houston’s Cherokee name, Colonneh, or The Raven. Opened in 1930, the cafe quickly became a beloved local institution. The current exhibit features rare photos of one of the restaurant’s founders, Abe Dabaghi, who later became its sole owner. His legacy of warm hospitality, civic involvement, and authentic French cuisine lives on through this exhibit. To our great surprise, some of Dabaghi’s family members, including his son Bill, were in attendance!

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cafe Raven was its role in Huntsville’s history. The restaurant served as the mess hall for Company F, the local army reserve unit, as it was being activated for World War II.

Additionally, the Cafe Raven was the first in Huntsville to offer air conditioning, a grand ballroom, and a neon sign, making it a trailblazer in many ways. It was a favorite among U.S. Senators, Congressmen, judges, civic luminaries, and other leaders.

The exhibit beautifully captures the essence of Cafe Raven’s impact on Huntsville. It’s not just about the delicious food and elegant ambiance; it’s about the stories and memories that were created within its walls. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s wonderful staff has done a fantastic job curating this exhibit, and it was an honor to be a part of it for the evening.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the Cafe Raven Exhibit, I highly recommend it. It’s a journey through time, celebrating a cherished part of Huntsville’s history and honoring the legacy of Sam Houston.

The exhibition runs from May 21 to September 1, 2024, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Huntsville’s rich history.

Visit Huntsville: Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library

by Olivia Discon

Welcome back to our “Visit Huntsville” blog series, where we uncover the gems that make our city truly special. This month, we’re thrilled to highlight the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library. This historic site not only celebrates the life and legacy of one of Texas’s most influential figures but also serves as a vibrant cultural hub for our community.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the museum with my dad. My dad is a history enthusiast, and sharing a piece of Huntsville’s rich heritage with him was an experience I’ll treasure.

The museum itself houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that paint a vivid picture of Sam Houston’s life. My dad’s favorite artifact of them all was Sam Houston’s dapper jaguar skin vest!

Walking through the museum grounds, we couldn’t help but feel the strong sense of history and reverence that permeates the site. One of the most poignant moments of our visit was seeing the Steamboat House, where Sam Houston passed away.

Photographer Mark Burns, Capturing the Steamboat House

This tangible link to the past brought history to life for both of us. My dad, being the history nerd that he is, was so moved that he even called my mom to show her the Steamboat House over the phone!

At the time of our visit, LEAP’s photo exhibit, “From the LEAP Lens,” was featured in the gallery of the Walker Education Center. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a photo I took while visiting my first state park, Palo Duro Canyon.

I was very proud to have captured a very special moment, and I was even prouder to share the photo with my dad, among the many other fantastic photos in the exhibit!

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is more than just a museum; it’s a central component of our community. It provides a space for education and connection. The museum regularly hosts events that bring people together and celebrate our Huntsville community.

They have wonderful exhibits regularly, including the work of John Rogers (whose work we also saw at the Smithsonian)…

…a community photo contest…

Former LEAP Ambassador Miranda Estrada identifies her favorite photo in the SHMM Community Photo Contest

…an opportunity for fun…

…and, of course, the preservation of key artifacts, the celebration of which often brings in hundreds of people, including VIPs from all over the state.

The LEAP Ambassadors had the chance to enjoy the “Sundown at Sam’s” music series, a fantastic way to start the summer, wind down, and enjoy the arts in a new way with our favorite people. It was a beautiful testament to how the arts and history intertwine to better our lives today.

Currently on display is the Cafe Raven exhibit, which Cinthia Villarreal and I recently had the pleasure of attending (and participating in) the opening reception.

This exhibit shines a light on a historic Huntsville business that holds a special place in the hearts of many residents.

The attention to detail and the stories captured in the exhibit transported us back in time, allowing us to appreciate the rich tapestry of Huntsville’s past.

In my eyes, the exhibit is a testament to the museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating our local history.

If you haven’t yet visited the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library, I highly recommend taking the time to explore this community jewel. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place to reflect (with the exception of the occasional rooster), the museum offers something for everyone.

It’s a cornerstone of our community, a place where the past meets the present, and where we can all find hope for the future.

Stay tuned for next month’s edition of “Visit Huntsville,” where we’ll uncover another local treasure that makes our city unique. Until then, happy exploring!

Music and Merriment at the Museum

It happens every spring: the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library presents a music series, Sundown at Sam’s. This year’s series, organized by Economics Professor Darren Grant and hosted by the SHMM, kicked off with two acts, John Krajicek and the Fire Ants String Band, which entertained more than 125 citizens on the pleasant and historic grounds of the Museum.

“Sundown at Sam’s,” notes Museum Director Derrick Birdsall, “is a way for us to bring a diverse (community and University) crowd to the Museum grounds.”

And the crowd was a wonderful mix of locals and students; among those was spotted were: Marjean Creager; SHSU Associate Vice President Amy Salazar (and her husband, Tim); Bridget Maloney; Councilmember Tore Fossum; City Manager Aron Kulhavy; LEAP Ambassadors Olivia Discon, Cinthia Villarreal, Morgan Robertson, and Michelle Cardenas; Kristie Stevens; SHSU Vice President Matt Bethea and his wife, Carrie; Wes and Susan Sanders; Bette Nelson; SHSU’s Emily Binetti; SHSU student Crystal Herren and her children; Brian Blalock; SHSU student Sarah-Hope Carter and her boyfriend, Parker; and many others.

The many others included pets…

…some of which showed off by doing pet tricks.

Adding to the entertainment was a variety of food and drink options, including Delmy’s, C.A.T. Cafe, and Tap Truck Outlaws. Or, you could bring your own snacks. In short, the setting offers everything you could need for a delightful evening.

And indeed it was an enjoyable, relaxing, and fun evening. The music, a mix of traditional sounds–Americana, Roots, and Bluegrass–was appropriate for the Museum grounds.

For Sarah-Hope, it is an annual tradition: “I love going every year! I especially enjoyed seeing John Krajicek, whose singing and writing is beautiful. My favorite song was “Blue Bird in my Heart…”

…and I also enjoyed hearing the Fire Ants String Band. The banjoist was incredible! It was great be part of the community, and it was great to see so many people come out and support local artists.”

Sundown at Sam’s will continue on May 2 and May 16. And for music fans, Huntsville Main Street will be hosting their own music series later this summer.

Thanks to Darren Grant and the staff at the SHMM for hosting quality events for the whole community!

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