♦ Museum and Camp Ford: Free Admission ♦
For groups larger than 8 people, please make an appointment so that we can provide you with better service.
All archival research MUST be scheduled in advance.
Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
For Museum Tours and Office Information: click here to contact us
For Archives questions, donations and/or research: click here to contact us
The Smith County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1959 by individuals and business firms dedicated to discovering, collecting, and preserving data, records, and other items relating to the history of Smith County, Texas. They joined together in a rewarding effort to preserve the fascinating stories of Smith County’s past in the many areas of historical preservation pursued by the Society.
Museum
Our museum is the proud home of the Twentieth Century of Progress permanent exhibit, featuring a diverse range of our collections. We offer new temporary exhibits every 6 months to a year and encourage everyone to check our upcoming schedule! You can find us at 125 South College Avenue in downtown Tyler, just a stone’s throw from the Square.
Society Store
Explore our wide-ranging collection of intricately detailed maps, fascinating local history books, and the captivating Chronicles of Smith County, Texas. These items are all available for purchase through our online store, allowing you to delve into the rich history of Smith County from the comfort of your own home.
Archives
Looking to do some research? Why not schedule a visit to our archives? You’ll find a treasure trove of historical documents from Smith County, including newspapers, city directories, school records, photographs, maps, historical papers, rare books, and much more. We can’t wait to help you uncover the past!
The Index to Chronicles of Smith County, Texas is now completed after several years of work. It covers names, places, events, and historical articles published since 1962. This was achieved within three years of our Society’s establishment.
If you are planning a trip to use our archives, please contact us via e-mail or call (903) 592-5993 to let us known what you are researching. We will schedule an appointment with you so that we can prepare the materials you need, making your trip easier and more productive.
Discover the hidden gems of our collection – our wide array of captivating photos and collections. Our society store features some of the most famous photos, with more to come. Explore the details at this link and reach out to us for additional information or to request a custom image search. Schedule a 2-hour photo research appointment at least 2 weeks in advance to uncover our exclusive collections of negatives and slides, meticulously scanned for your viewing pleasure.
Support the Smith County Historical Society
Memberships
Join us in supporting the Historical Society by becoming a member today! Membership is open to everyone, including individuals and organizations.
You won’t want to miss our monthly meetings, which take place on the 1st Tuesday of each month in the Payne Auditorium. The evening begins with a social time at 6:30 pm, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 pm. Our regular meetings feature engaging programs about the rich history of Smith County and the East Texas area. Best of all, these programs are free and open to the public. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with history and your community!
Donate
The Society accepts both monetary contributions and donations of physical items. Donated materials may include photographs, books, maps, business and personal documents, as well as artifacts such as Native American relics, vintage clothing, and furniture.
Volunteer
We need extra hands to support the Society. Tasks include sorting and organizing, answering the phone, and welcoming visitors. Your assistance will make a real difference!