Last updated: 6/22/2010
210 S. Dixon
Gainesville, TX 76241
P.O. Box 150
Gainesville, TX 76241
Tuesday - Friday
10 AM - 5 PM
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Cathy Farquar
phone: 940-668-8900
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Misty Farquhar
phone:
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Ann Crisp
phone:
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The Morton Museum is the place to find Historical Information about the people, area & events of Cooke County! The museum is owned and operated by the Cooke County Heritage Society, Inc. In addition to continuing exhibits for the general public, the museum maintains a large archival and photographic collection of material for researchers to utilize.
A staff member is available, by appointment, to aid individuals in genealogy research. Also available by appointment, is a step-on guide for trolley tours of the historic downtown and other historic sites in the area. Guided walking tours of the downtown and Victorian homes district may also be arranged. Several other specialized walking tours, in addition to those two, are available as well.
Audio CDs of the history of the Victorian homes and the historic downtown may be rented or purchased at the museum for those individuals wishing to take those tours without a guide. To arrange a tour or make an appointment, call
the museum at 940.668.8900. The Book Nook & Boutique area has numerous books, prints, and other items for sale.
Cooke County Heritage Society, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3)non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the history and artifacts of Cooke County Texas and the surrounding area. CCHS works to accomplish this through advocating high professional standards and through the
dissemination of information on the history of Cooke County for educational and general information purposes.
In 1884, the building in which the Morton Museum of Cooke County is housed was erected as Gainesville's combination city hall, fire station, and calaboose (jail) - a visible symbol of the city's growing prosperity.
Individuals still remember the thrill when as children they stared transfixed at the shouting firemen, snorting horses, and fire wagons racing out of the structure to fight a roaring blaze in town.
Originally, a two-story brick edifice, the building's bell - housed in the bell tower on top of the second story - rang every night at 9:00 for curfew and every time a fire broke out. But time took its toil on this grand old structure.
After 1918 when the new fire station was constructed (a new city hall and jail already having been erected) this
building was utilized as a city warehouse for many years and began to deteriorate.
In 1966, plans were developed to demolish it and destruction actually began at the rear of the building. The second story and bell tower had already been removed.
Concerned Gainesville citizens requested that the demolition be halted and that the city take steps to preserve the building as a county historical museum. With the aid of the newly formed Cooke County Heritage Society and a donation from former Gainesville resident Granville C. Morton and his wife Gladys, the Morton Museum of Cooke County opened in December 1968.
Archival collections are available for research. Most of te Museum's collection deals with various aspects of local history and individuals who have resided in the area. The archives include both primary and secondary materials.
Open to the general public, students, scholars: does not circulate print materials; appointment recomended; cannot assist with library loans. The Museum has about 20,000 prints and negatives. Most of th prints are black & white. Ask Coordinator about rights and reproductions. Individuals pay the charge of reporducing a photograph plus a $10 fee to the museum. If the photo goes into any type of publication, the credit line must be showing that the photo came from the Cooke County Heritage Society, Inc. and the Morton Museum of Cooke County.
Programs include Sprig and Fall series, Annual Bell Sale, and Annual Auction held each May. Traveling exhibits, lectures, craft demonstrations, exhibit guides, guided walking & driving tours; not available for loan/tour. The museum has archaeology items as well.
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: Yes
Newsletter, published quarterly, various books/pamphlets relating to local history and texas history. Books Store has numerous publications or sale.
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is
provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as
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use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.