What is the Historic Waco Foundation museums?

The Historic Waco Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Waco and McLennan County through the preservation of historic houses and dynamic exhibits.

What are the hours for the Historic Waco house museums?

The museums are open Friday and Saturday. The McCulloch and ENK houses are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the East Terrace house is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is $10.00, and students and seniors are $8.00. A combined house tour ticket is available for $25, while admission is free for HW members, active military, and children under 6.

Which houses are part of the Historic Waco Foundation?

The foundation interprets three historic house museums: the McCulloch House, the East Terrace House, and the Earle-Napier-Kinnard (ENK) House.

Are the museums wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all three homes are wheelchair accessible for first-floor exhibits. Interpretive materials are available upon request for the second floor.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Historic Waco Foundation museums in Waco

Historic Waco Foundation museums

A volunteer-driven foundation preserving Waco's heritage through three distinct historic house museums: the McCulloch, East Terrace, and Earle-Napier-Kinnard houses, showcasing architecture and material culture from the mid-19th century.

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What to know

Established in 1967 through a merger of the Heritage Society, the Society for Historic Preservation, and the Duncan Foundation, the Historic Waco Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the city's heritage. The foundation manages three historic house museums that serve as windows into Waco's past, with buildings constructed between 1858 and 1872. Visitors can explore the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House, built in 1858 as one of the city's first brick homes in the Greek Revival style. The McCulloch House, originally built in 1866, features a prominent Greek Revival addition added by Mr. and Mrs. Champe Carter McCulloch. The East Terrace House, constructed in 1872 by businessman John Wesley Mann, is a prime example of Italianate architecture and is situated along the banks of the Brazos River. Beyond the architecture, the foundation maintains a permanent collection that reflects the broader Greater Waco community, including the Heritage Collection created by historian Lavonia Jenkins Barnes. This collection spans over a century of history, ranging from early Texas settlement through World War II, providing a deep dive into the material culture of the region. These houses are preserved as examples of architecture and material culture tied to Waco families, offering enriching historical experiences for audiences of all ages. The houses are also used for public programming, lectures, and events, ensuring the city's history remains a dynamic part of the community.

Visitor tips

General admission is $10, while a combined house tour ticket is $25.
Tours typically last between 45 and 60 minutes.
McCulloch and ENK houses are open Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while East Terrace is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on those days.
First floors are wheelchair accessible, with interpretive materials available for second floors.

Nearby context

The Historic Waco Foundation's museums are located throughout downtown Waco, within a short distance of each other and near attractions like the Balcones Distilling Company.

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