THE ORGANIZATION

The mission of the Clay County Historical Society, Inc., (CCHS) which maintains and operates the Clay
Co. 1890 Jail Museum-Heritage Center, is to collect, record, preserve, display and interpret for the
public’s benefit, education and enjoyment, the heritage and continuing development of Clay County
and surrounding counties.

The CCHS is an outgrowth of an earlier historical survey committee.  The current organization was
chartered in 1981 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  Today the Society is an organization of
dedicated volunteers who bring individual gifts and graces to the preservation of Clay County history.
Members represent the various occupations and professions of most small rural communities. Each
Historical Society member invests themselves fully in their deep interest in history and in community
involvement.

The CCHS is governed by an executive board comprised of the officers and directors, all elected
during the annual meeting of the membership. Funds are raised by Society members to maintain and
operate the museum. In addition to fund raising, the CCHS also offers quarterly history programs for
the public. The museum committee, appointed by the president, is in charge of taking care of the
museum, its displays, and records.  There is no paid staff. The annual budget is derived from
donations, dues, admissions, fund raisers, memorials, and gift shop.

THE MUSEUM

In the 1980s the Clay County Historical Society took on the task of restoring the dilapidated 1890 jail.
A major capital funds campaign in 1995-1996 raised some $250,000 to restore the abandoned
structure and establish a county museum and heritage center. The jail is on the National Register of
Historical Places and is designated a Texas Archaeological and State Historic Landmark.  

PROGRAMS

Since the renovation of the jail and the establishment of the museum, thousands of visitors have
toured the facility.  Educational presentations have been provided to Clay County students and the
museum has served as a repository for hundreds of items of historic significance.

The museum’s extensive photo and archival collections attract attention from history enthusiasts as
well as those researching their family genealogy.  The CCHS takes pride in the collections that have
been preserved, the quality displays, and the vast amount of information available for the education
and entertainment of visitors. The vision of the CCHS is to continue to attract people of all ages, to
assist them to connect with and appreciate the past, and thereby more fully understand the present.
CLAY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
P.O. Box 483 . 116 N. Graham
Corner of Graham & Ikard Streets
Henrietta, TX  76365-0483 . 940-538-5655
cmuseum@wfquik.com