Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center

Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center Our legacy began in 1952 when a group called the Bastrop Ladies Reading Circle raised funds to open our current museum in 1953. Call for more information.

Since then, a lot has changed, and we are now a modern museum and visitor center sure to please the whole family. The mission of the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum is to preserve and promote the history of Bastrop County. History: Bastrop County Historical Society (BCHS) and its museum were established in 1952. Since then, BCHS has amassed a unique collection of materials, documents, and

artifacts dating before the County’s founding in 1836. Collections: The Society has a collection of approximately 5,000 artifacts and books in addition to 14,000 documents and photographs contributed by members of the community. Collectively, they tell the unique story of Bastrop County. Research: Archives are available for research in our professional research library. Membership: is open to anyone willing to pay modest annual dues. Bastrop Old Town Visitor Center: over 9,000 annual visitors come through our doors for local and regional information. Our dedicated staff of experts knows the area's secrets, and we encourage you to take respite in our climate-controlled spaces. This is the entrance to visiting the Bastrop County Historical Society museum.

MORNING STORY ☀️ A Friendship in HarmonyToday is National Best Friends Day, a perfect time to celebrate the people who m...
06/08/2026

MORNING STORY ☀️ A Friendship in Harmony

Today is National Best Friends Day, a perfect time to celebrate the people who make life’s journey a little brighter.

This photograph captures a special moment between two friends sharing a love of music. On the left is Amy Presswood Ash, violin in hand, posing alongside a friend as the two young women enjoy time together.

Amy moved to Bastrop in 1925 with her husband, J. V. Ash Sr., after relocating from Liberty, Texas. Over the years, the Ash family became well known in the community, and her husband would later serve as Mayor of Bastrop during the 1950s.

While history often remembers public achievements and official titles, photographs like this remind us that everyday moments matter, too. Before the speeches, meetings, and civic responsibilities, there were friendships, shared interests, and afternoons spent making music together.

More than likely, Amy and her friend weren’t thinking about making history when this photo was taken. They were simply enjoying each other’s company. Yet nearly a century later, their friendship still shines through the photograph.

This National Best Friends Day, take a moment to celebrate the friends who have shared your adventures, supported you through challenges, and helped create lasting memories.

Better yet, bring your best friend to the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center and make a few memories of your own while exploring Bastrop County history together!

🕰 Museum Hours: Monday–Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM
🎟 Admission: Adults $8 | Military, Military Families, Veterans free | Children 12 & under free | Members free

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

Another wonderful week at the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center! ❤️This week we welcomed visitors from near and far...
06/07/2026

Another wonderful week at the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center! ❤️

This week we welcomed visitors from near and far as they reunited with family and friends, explored exhibits, uncovered stories from the past, and made new memories together.

Whether you’re tracing your roots, learning something new, or simply looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, there’s always something to discover at the museum.

Have you visited us yet?

🕰 Open Monday–Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

06/06/2026

Think you know the Founding Fathers? 🇺🇸

Join American history scholar Dianna Greenwood as she spills the tea on the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence warts and all! Discover the fascinating, surprising, and very human stories behind the names that changed history.

🥪 Bring your lunch. We’ll provide drinks, desserts, and plenty of interesting history.

📅 Wednesday, June 10
🕧 12:30–1:30 PM
📍 Bastrop Public Library
🎟 $10 ($8 for members)

Purchase tickets on our website or in person before they sell out!

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

06/06/2026

Some heroes don’t wear capes — they quietly serve, lead, uplift, and make a difference every single day. 💚✨

Join us as we celebrate the individuals who help shape our community at Unsung Heroes 2026!

📍 Bastrop Convention Center
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Lite bites • Community • Inspiration • Souvenir Booklets Available

Come honor those whose impact deserves to be seen and celebrated. 💜

MORNING STORY ☀️ The Men Behind the TrailsToday is National Trails Day, and we’re celebrating the men who built some of ...
06/06/2026

MORNING STORY ☀️ The Men Behind the Trails

Today is National Trails Day, and we’re celebrating the men who built some of the most beloved trails in Bastrop County: the Civilian Conservation Corps.

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to provide jobs, training, and hope to young men struggling through difficult economic times. Men between the ages of 17 and 25 were given food, clothing, lodging, and a monthly wage of $30. In return, they were expected to send $25 of that paycheck home to help support their families.

But the CCC did more than provide jobs. They left a lasting legacy across the nation, including right here in Bastrop County.

The hardworking members of the CCC built the trails, structures, roads, and facilities that still define Bastrop and Buescher State Parks today. From scenic hiking paths winding through the Lost Pines to the stonework and buildings that have welcomed generations of visitors, their craftsmanship can still be seen nearly a century later.

The next time you’re hiking your favorite trail, enjoying a picnic, or exploring one of our beautiful state parks, take a moment to thank the young men of the CCC. Their labor helped create some of the outdoor spaces we treasure most.

Want to learn more? Visit new CCC exhibit at the former Golf Pro Shop, then stop by the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center to explore our own CCC exhibit. While you’re here, be sure to pick up trail maps and discover even more ways to explore Bastrop County’s natural and historic treasures.

🕰 Museum Hours: Monday–Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM
🎟 Admission: Adults $8 | Military, Military Families, Veterans free | Children 12 & under free | Members free

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

06/05/2026

The Stitched Exhibit is over. Time to box the quilts until next year!

MORNING STORY ☀️ A Day by the RiverJune is National Rivers Month, and here in Bastrop County, we have plenty to celebrat...
06/05/2026

MORNING STORY ☀️ A Day by the River

June is National Rivers Month, and here in Bastrop County, we have plenty to celebrate.

This photograph captures John and L. Ash enjoying a day along the river, a scene that feels just as familiar today as it did when this image was taken. For generations, the river has been more than just a source of water. It has been a place to relax, explore, gather with family, and connect with the natural beauty of Bastrop County.

The Colorado River helped sustain the communities that grew along its banks, but it has also long provided opportunities for recreation and renewal. Whether it’s wading in the cool water on a hot Texas afternoon, kayaking downriver, birdwatching among the trees, or enjoying a picnic on the riverbank, the river continues to offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In many ways, not much has changed since this day by the river in 1958. The river still invites us to slow down, appreciate nature, and make memories with the people we care about.

This National Rivers Month, take some time to enjoy the Colorado River and reflect on the important role it has played in shaping Bastrop County’s history and identity.

Want to learn more? Visit the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center and explore the full story of the Colorado River and its impact on our community.

🕰 Museum Hours: Monday–Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM
🎟 Admission: Adults $8 | Military, Military Families, Veterans free | Children 12 & under free | Members free

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

How well do you know the men behind the signatures on the Declaration of Independence? 🪶📜Join us for our next Bastrop Co...
06/05/2026

How well do you know the men behind the signatures on the Declaration of Independence? 🪶📜

Join us for our next Bastrop County Historical Society’s Lunch & Learn as American history scholar Dianna Greenwood explores the fascinating lives, personalities, and sacrifices of the men who risked everything to establish the United States.

This program is the perfect way to get into the Spirit of 1776 as we prepare for the upcoming celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary!

📜 Lunch & Learn | Stories Behind the Signatures
📅 Wednesday, June 10
⏰ 12:30–1:30 PM
📍 Bastrop Public Library
🎟 $10 ($8 for members)

Tickets are limited, so purchase yours online before they sell out!

Follow us for more Bastrop County history and community events!

06/04/2026

Solve all the CLUES in the museum’s first ever escape room — UNITED WE ESCAPE! 🇺🇸🦅

Get in touch with your inner Nicolas Cage to save American history this Independence Eve. Tickets are now on sale on our website and will go fast!

July 3 | 6-8 pm | Bastrop County Museum
$15 ($10 for members)

Address

904 Main Street
Bastrop, TX
78602

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(512) 303-0904

Website

https://linktr.ee/bastropmuseumvc

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