Historic Waco

Exploring Waco’s History

Our Story

Historic Waco is a volunteer driven organization dedicated to being the storytellers of Waco’s history through the preservation of our historic houses. The foundation was established in 1967, through the merger and incorporation of three common interest groups: the Heritage Society, the Society for Historic Preservation, and the Duncan Foundation. Today, our three historic houses serve an opportunity to preserve Waco's heritage and history, educate the public, and inspire the community. Throughout the year, we offer house tours, as well as field trips for school groups, our Traveling Trunk program, special events, and rotating exhibitions.

Cotton King's Demise 2025 (12 x 6 in).jpg

Touring Historic Waco

Our Homes

Historic Waco manages and cares for three historic homes:

Earle-Napier-Kinnard House

East Terrace

McCulloch House

Hours

All homes: Friday - Saturday, 10AM - 4PM

Tours last about 45-60 minutes

Accessibility

All three of our homes are wheelchair accessible for first floor exhibits, and interpretive materials are available upon request for the second floor.

Office Hours

Open

Monday - Thursday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday, 8:00AM - 12:30PM

Want to learn more about our organization or community?

Feel free to stop by our Hoffmann office any time or call us at (254) 753-5166

Closed

Our office will be closed on the following 2025 federal holidays:

MLK Day (Monday, January 20th); President’s Day (Monday, February 17th)

Easter/Good Friday (Friday - Monday, April 18th - 21);

Memorial Day (Monday, May 26th); Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19th);

Independence Day (Friday, July 4th); Labor Day (Monday, September 1st)

Indigenous People’s Day (Monday, October 13th);

Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11th)

Thanksgiving (Wednesday – Saturday, November 26th - 29th)

Christmas/New Year ( Monday - Sunday, December 22 – January the 4th)

Upcoming events

Fall Lecture: Celebrating the History of East Waco

September 16, 2025
6:30-8:00PM
Join us to learn about life in east Waco from local business, churches, schools, and most importantly, the people.

RSVP
Crash at Crush

September 19 and 20
6:00-9:00PM
Enjoy a night of laughter, music, and learning as Texas Comedies preforms their rendition of this infamous event.

RSVP
Murder Mystery: Cotton King's Demise

October 10 and 11 , 2025
6:00-9:00PM
Bring your notepad and put on your investigator shoes to help us solve this year’s murder mystery. Join us for a night of intrigue and fun, and don’t forget to dress up in your best 1890s wear!

RSVP
Deaths and Legends of Waco

October 25, 2025
6:00 - 9:00PM
Come hear of Waco’s deaths and legends which are famous, infamous, curious, and strange, featuring The Crash at Crush, hidden household killers, Telephus A. Johnson, and more! You may even take a picture with a Victorian-era ghost…

RSVP

Past, Presence, Future: The Annual Campaign for Historic Waco

Your generous financial donation to Historic Waco allows us to continue preserving the history of Waco to educate and inspire generations to come. For 2023, we are kicking off our first-ever annual campaign: Past, Presence, Future. This fundraising effort is aimed at raising necessary funds for ongoing programming, upgrades to our historic properties, and educational opportunities for Waco students. Make your pledge today by clicking the button below, or join HW as a member at any level.

Help Preserve Waco History!

Donate Today

Help preserve the past and educate the future generations

Become part of a community that loves Waco as much as you do. Your HW membership provides you exclusive benefits like free admission to our houses, discounts to events and in our gift shop, and HW newsletter and magazine subscriptions. Higher-level members get enjoy exclusive member-only events and a membership with the North American Museum Association. There’s a place for everyone here at Historic Waco, find yours today!

Become a Member