Sam Houston Memorial Museum Celebrates 189th Anniversary of Sam Houston’s Inauguration with New Additions to Collection

Sam Houston Memorial Museum Celebrates 189th Anniversary of Sam Houston’s Inauguration with New Additions to Collection

On Oct. 22, 1836, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. Nearly two centuries later, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library commemorated the 189th anniversary of this historic event by welcoming supporters and friends and unveiling newly acquired items in its collection.

Among the latest additions is a rare letter dated Feb. 19, 1826, written by a young Sam Houston during his tenure as a U.S. congressman from Tennessee. The letter, addressed to Henry Smith of New York, provides insight into the political, military and social issues of the time.

The document was discovered by a museum volunteer who spotted it for sale on eBay.

“I appreciate that our volunteer told me about this document because it adds to our knowledge base about Houston and fills in some missing puzzle pieces,” said Derrick Birdsall, museum director. “The document reveals an unknown love interest named Matilda and talks of amending the Constitution.”

Birdsall noted that the discovery supports the museum’s ongoing mission to expand its collection and deepen public understanding of Sam Houston’s legacy.

“In a little more than ten years, the museum will turn 100 years old,” he said. “This document is part of our larger plan to continuously grow the collection, keeping the museum moving forward as we prepare for the next hundred years and ensuring that we are always learning from, and about, Sam.”

The letter is now available to the public through the museum’s online collections database: Documents – Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.

Another recent addition is a newly commissioned portrait of Sam Houston painted by local artist Lee Jamison. Inspired by an 1840s daguerreotype, the portrait now hangs prominently in the museum’s rotunda. The piece was made possible through the generous support of Bill and Marilyn Dabaghi.

“I’m grateful for the continued support of Bill and Marilyn and the friendship the museum has built with Lee Jamison because he is documenting history through his art,” Birdsall said.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library is a part of Sam Houston State University and is dedicated to preserving the memory of Sam Houston (1793-1863) and his times in a fifteen-acre complex located on the site of the property and home of Gen. Sam Houston. 

Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about the remarkable life of Sam Houston and experience everyday life on the Houston farm.  Throughout the year, the museum hosts events, exhibits, and living history programs for the public as well as doing outreach to other historic sites and organizations.  To learn more about the museum and events visit samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com .