Director Derrick Birdsall previews upcoming celebrations, highlights museum’s living legacy in Huntsville
A Community Landmark Comes Alive
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum in Huntsville is more than just a museum. As Director Derrick Birdsall shared during a recent appearance on Good Morning Huntsville, the 15-acre museum complex is a living tribute to Sam Houston’s legacy, featuring traditional exhibits and an open-air historic park that gives visitors a hands-on glimpse into 19th-century Texas life.
“We’re an open-air museum with historic houses and structures, as well as a traditional gallery,” Birdsall said. “Springtime is our busiest season. We call it the ‘high holy days’ of Texas history.”
General Sam Houston Day: April 26
One of the most anticipated events of the year is General Sam Houston Day, taking place Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is a reimagining of the museum’s longtime Folk Festival, now with even deeper community focus and historical roots.
“It’s a return to the roots of the old Folk Festival,” Birdsall explained. “We’ll have period demonstrators, wagon rides, blacksmithing, woodworking, medical demos, and even traditional cooking. And it’s completely free.”
Guests can expect to see reenactors from sites like Washington-on-the-Brazos and San Felipe portraying life during Houston’s era. As Birdsall put it, “This is a community event. It’s our gift to Huntsville.”
From Mud Floors to Music Under the Stars
Birdsall also highlighted a new exhibit that features a large mural by local artist Lee Jamison, depicting Houston in 1837. “This gives visitors visual context for what Houston looked like when Sam Houston the man was actually working there,” he said.
In addition to exhibits, the museum offers opportunities to connect through music and fellowship. The Sundown at Sam’s outdoor concert series wraps up on May 1 with a gospel night featuring local group Praise on Purpose. “It’s beautiful to be out on the grounds as the sun sets behind the stage,” said Birdsall.
A Storyteller of the City
Birdsall’s passion for preserving Houston’s legacy is evident. He shared one of the museum’s latest acquisitions: a handwritten letter by Sam Houston describing a headache and a recent tooth removal. “It may seem mundane, but it gives a personal glimpse into Houston’s daily life. Every letter is a puzzle piece,” he said.
Birdsall, who refers to himself as a “storyteller of the family,” emphasized how the museum serves as a cultural anchor. “People have been taking wedding photos, graduation shots, and making memories here for over a hundred years. This is a part of Huntsville’s soul.”
Visit the Museum Grounds
Visitors are encouraged to explore not only the museum galleries but also the scenic grounds, which include a duck pond, historic cabins, and green spaces used year-round by families and school groups alike.
“Even during COVID, our outdoor areas stayed busy,” Birdsall said. “It’s a beautiful, safe place for people to gather and reconnect.”
More Than a Name
Birdsall humorously addressed the common confusion between the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the similarly named funeral home. “It wouldn’t be the first time someone mixed us up,” he laughed.
But despite the jokes, the significance of the institution isn’t lost on him. “We don’t take for granted what we have here,” he said. “Many communities would love to have this much history so close. We’re just proud to preserve it and share it with the next generation.”
Event Recap:
- General Sam Houston Day: April 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Free Admission
- Sundown at Sam’s (Final Spring Concert): May 1, 6:15 p.m.
For more information, visit samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com or stop by the museum at 1836 Sam Houston Avenue in Huntsville.
