Texarkana Museums System

Specialties

The Texarkana Museums System offers four fun and fascinating ways to explore Texarkana’s past, present and future. TMS operates the Museum of Regional History, the Draughon-​Moore «Ace of Clubs» House, P.J. Ahern Home and the Discovery Place Children’s Museum in historic downtown Texarkana.

The Texarkana Museums System (TMS) is a-​not-​for-​profit 501©3 educational organization that offers high-​quality learning experiences focusing on history, preservation, science, art, and music.

TMS is committed to the collection and conservation of materials relating to the human occupation of the region, to the preservation of the buildings it holds in trust for the people of the Four States Area, and to the enhancement of cultural opportunities and quality of life for all its residents. TMS is committed to maintaining professional and ethical excellence in all its operations and adheres to the standards set forth by the American Association of Museums.

History

Established in 1971.

A group of local citizens established the Texarkana Historical Society in 1966. In an effort to preserve Texarkana’s unique history, the group began collecting archival materials. In 1971, the Society opened the Texarkana Historical Museum, now the Museum of Regional History. The new Museum was opened in the historic Offenhauser Insurance building, the oldest surviving brick building in Texarkana.

The collections expanded to include regional and Caddo artifacts and information. The Museum of Regional History includes a vast collection of research materials and photographs available to the public by appointment.

In 1985, the Society obtained the Draughon-​Moore «Ace of Clubs» House, which is a unique octagonal house built in 1885. The house was restored and opened for public tours in 1987.

In 1990, Discovery Place Children’s Museum opened in the old Bryce’s Cafeteria building. Discovery Place is a hands-​on museum of science, history, and human perception.