Preserving the past. Connecting our community. Inspiring the future.

Keeping Our Stories Alive

  • The Tom Lea Trail

    March 2, 2024 marked the Induction into the Tom Lea Trail of Texas with Mrs. Adair Margo, Founder of Tom Lea Institute, Mrs. Holly Cobb, Director, Mrs. Alma De La Garza, owner of El Randado Ranch, and Homero Vera, historian.

  • 2024 THC Distinguished Service Award

    The Jim Hogg County Historical Commission received the 2024 THC Distinguished Service Award for the 13th year in a row.

  • June ACE Student Field Trip

    Museum Volunteers hosted the ACE HJH students in June as they visited the Old Jail Museum and toured local historical landmarks.

  • The Old Garza House

    Unveiling the Texas Historical Landmark Marker for The Old Garza House, built in the 1800’s & deemed the oldest house in Hebbronville, TX.

  • El Colegio Altamirano

    Unveling the Texas Historical Landmark Marker for the Colegio Altamirano. According to recorded history, it opened in 1897, begining with 4 girls and 12 boys and growing to accomodate 100 students annually. The school’s success was a testament to the community’s commitment to education & cultural identity. Today, the legacy of El Colegio Altamirano stands as a powerful example of grassrotts educational initiatives. Guest speakers included: Dr. Philis Barragan-Goetz (Associate Professory of History, Texas A&M San Antonio) & Nelia Barrera (Granddaughter of First Headmaster & Professor Don Rosendo Barrera Guerra).

  • The Vaquero Monument Project

    Vaquero Monument Project - The vaqueros of South Texas will never be forgotten, and the monument will serve to remind descendants, visitors, and future generations of their imporant place in the history of our region.

The Tom Lea Trail

The Tom Lea Trail is a cultural and historical route honoring artist, author, and war correspondent Tom Lea (1907–2001), whose work captured the landscapes, people, and spirit of the Southwest and beyond. Stretching across Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, Mexico, the trail connects museums, galleries, and historic sites that feature his paintings, murals, and writings. It highlights Lea’s depictions of borderland heritage, World War II experiences, and Western life. The trail invites travelers to explore both art and history while experiencing the same vistas that inspired Lea, preserving his legacy as a storyteller of the American Southwest.

  • Hebbronville Authors Book Fair & Signing Event

    Celebrating local authors & their amazing publications.

  • Annual Christmas Posada at The Old Jail Museum

  • Franciscan Friars Presentation & Book Signing

    Franciscan Friars presentation and book signing of Franciscan Friars of Hebbronville, compiled by Father Juan Jose Ibarra, with Alicia Costello Texas Historial Commission Marker historian to announce that Franciscan Friars story marker has been approved

The Vaquero Monument Project

Famed artist and sculptor, Mr. Armando Hinojosa, is presently working on the beautiful sculpture that will stand proudly on our Jim Hogg County Courthouse lawn to commemorate Jim Hogg County as the Vaquero Capital of Texas.

The monument will be a sight to see, adding to the community’s many and important historical attractions. It will serve as an educational feature for tourists, locals, and generations to come, highlighting the very special history of the vaqueros. 

With our goal of raising $250,000 by year-end 2025, we are actively seeking donations and hosting fundraising events, including our upcoming Vaquero Gala, Dinner, & Action on October 25, 2025.