Historic Waco Foundation

Historic Waco Foundation Our mission is to preserve the heritage of Waco and McLennan County, Texas for future generations.

Mission Monday 📚🏛️Calling all young history lovers! Do you enjoy learning about the past, sharing history with others, d...
08/31/2026

Mission Monday 📚🏛️

Calling all young history lovers! Do you enjoy learning about the past, sharing history with others, dressing up in costumes, getting creative with arts and crafts, and giving back to your community?

Historic Waco has a spot for you!

Our High School Historians volunteer program is open to students in 8th through 12th grade who are interested in history, community service, and becoming part of the exciting events and celebrations happening at our historic house museums.

It’s a fun way to:
✨ Earn volunteer hours for your college applications
🏛️ Learn more about local history
🎭 Dress in costume and bring history to life
🎨 Create and participate in hands-on activities
🤝 Meet and serve alongside other students
🎉 Be part of festive celebrations in your community

If you have a passion for history—or are simply looking for a fun and meaningful way to get involved—we would love to have you join our team!

Fun Fact Friday 🔎🕵️Something mysterious is happening in Sironia...Join Historic Waco for Murder in Sironia, a murder mys...
08/28/2026

Fun Fact Friday 🔎🕵️

Something mysterious is happening in Sironia...

Join Historic Waco for Murder in Sironia, a murder mystery set inside the historic Cooper House at 1801 Austin Ave. Step back in time, put on your detective hat, and see if you can figure out whodunit! 🕵️‍♀️🔍

📅 Choose your night:

Friday, September 25 at 6 PM
Saturday, September 26 at 6 PM

⏰ Each performance lasts approximately 2–3 hours.

🎟️ General Admission includes:
• Admission to the murder mystery
• Two complimentary drinks
• Free appetizers

⭐ VIP Admission includes everything above PLUS exclusive access to a guided tour of Madison Cooper’s office and desk, which has remained untouched since his death!

👗 Come dressed for the occasion! Guests wearing 1950s attire will be entered into a special raffle! 🎉

🎟️ PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS:
Visit historicwaco.org to reserve your spot!

Please note: The Cooper House is a historic home, so stairs will be required for certain portions of the event.

Who will solve the mystery? You? 👀🔪

Tales of Texas Thursday 🌙❤️The Legend of Lovers’ LeapOne of Waco’s most enduring legends tells the tragic story of Wah-W...
08/27/2026

Tales of Texas Thursday 🌙❤️

The Legend of Lovers’ Leap

One of Waco’s most enduring legends tells the tragic story of Wah-Wah-Tee, the daughter of the Chief of the Wacos, and an Apache man she fell in love with.

In 1912, Decca Lamar West recorded one of the earliest written versions of the Lovers’ Leap story. The original account can still be found as part of The Texas Collection.

According to West’s version, Wah-Wah-Tee secretly went to meet her Apache lover. A member of her tribe followed her and told her father about the meeting. Her father and brothers rushed to the spot intending to kill the Apache.

But before they could reach them, Wah-Wah-Tee and her lover embraced and jumped from the cliff together.

The cliff became known as Lovers’ Leap. 💔

West's account adds an eerie detail: when the moon is full and the river is full, the figures of the two lovers can supposedly be seen on the cliff. 🌕👀

Legend, love, and mystery—it's stories like this that make Texas history so fascinating.

Have you ever heard the legend of Lovers’ Leap?

What Is It Wednesday? 🤔🏛️Take a look at the advertisement shown below... but what exactly was the Lemly Chiropractic Psy...
08/26/2026

What Is It Wednesday? 🤔🏛️

Take a look at the advertisement shown below... but what exactly was the Lemly Chiropractic Psychopathic Sanatorium?

From 1930 to 1939, the Historic East Terrace House served as the home of Dr. Lemly's sanatorium. Dr. Lemly used the grand residence to house and treat patients with nervous and mental disorders using chiropractic methods, while also fighting legal battles surrounding the chiropractic profession.

Today, pieces of this fascinating chapter in the home's history can still be explored at the East Terrace Historic House Museum. Visitors can see items that belonged to Dr. Lemly, as well as a recreation of his office!

History can take some unexpected turns—and the East Terrace House certainly has a story or two to tell. 👀

Have you visited the East Terrace Historic House Museum and seen Dr. Lemly's office?

🎶 A Sweet Waco Memory of Dolly Parton 🎶💕Waco has had the privilege of welcoming many unforgettable performers throughout...
08/26/2026

🎶 A Sweet Waco Memory of Dolly Parton 🎶💕

Waco has had the privilege of welcoming many unforgettable performers throughout its history, and one of the most beloved names in country music once took the stage right here in our city.

In January 1977, Dolly Parton opened for Willie Nelson at the Waco Civic Center, now known as the Waco Convention Center. ✨🎤

It’s incredible to think that two country music legends shared a stage right here in Waco, creating a special moment in our city’s musical history.

Today, we’re looking back on that sweet piece of Waco history and celebrating the joy, talent, and unforgettable spirit that Dolly Parton has brought to generations of fans. 💗

Were you there for this unforgettable concert? We’d love to hear your memories! 👇

Timeline Tuesday 🗞️📚1900 ➡️ A new voice arrives on Baylor's campus!The picture attached to this post features Edition 1,...
08/25/2026

Timeline Tuesday 🗞️📚

1900 ➡️ A new voice arrives on Baylor's campus!

The picture attached to this post features Edition 1, Volume 1 of The Varsity Lariat—the beginning of a publication that would keep Baylor students, faculty, and alumni informed for generations to come.

📰 1900: The Varsity Lariat was established, replacing an earlier campus publication known as The Baylor Weekly Leaf.

⏩ Over the years: What began as a student newspaper continued to grow and evolve alongside the Baylor community.

🎙️ Today: The Lariat has expanded into a multi-platform media operation, covering news through podcasts, video broadcasts, daily web updates, and more!

From the pages of Volume 1 to the digital world of today, this publication has continued its mission of keeping the Baylor community connected and informed.

Have you ever read The Baylor Lariat? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Mission MondayEvery piece has a story—and preserving those stories is at the heart of Historic Waco's mission. ❤️The Her...
08/24/2026

Mission Monday

Every piece has a story—and preserving those stories is at the heart of Historic Waco's mission. ❤️

The Heritage Collection, created by prominent Waco historian Lavonia Jenkins Barnes, is a remarkable sub-collection within our permanent collection. Spanning more than a century of history—from early Texas settlement through World War II—it includes over 3,500 garments, flat textiles, and accessories. Many of these treasured pieces once belonged to early Wacoans, helping us preserve and share the stories of the people who came before us.

We are always grateful for donations that help further our mission of preserving Waco's history for generations to come.

Do you have an item you believe may have historical significance and would be a meaningful addition to our permanent collection? We would love to hear from you! Please contact our office before donating. Donations made without the proper paperwork cannot be accepted.

Thank you for helping us preserve the past and tell Waco's story. 🏛️✨

Fun Fact Friday 🏛️🛍️Did you know Historic Waco has an online store? 👀Whether you want to show off your favorite historic...
08/21/2026

Fun Fact Friday 🏛️🛍️

Did you know Historic Waco has an online store? 👀

Whether you want to show off your favorite historic Waco house or simply let everyone know how much you love Historic Waco, we've got something for you! ❤️🏛️

From fun apparel to Historic Waco gear, there are plenty of ways to wear your love of Waco history while supporting our organization.

🎁 Looking for a unique gift for the history lover in your life? We've got you covered!

🛍️ Shop the Historic Waco online store:
Historic Waco Online Store

Find your favorite piece and help spread the love for Waco's history! 🧡💙

Tales of Texas Thursday 👻🌳Deep in the woods of Cameron Park, you may stumble upon the ruins of an old stone shelter know...
08/20/2026

Tales of Texas Thursday 👻🌳

Deep in the woods of Cameron Park, you may stumble upon the ruins of an old stone shelter known locally as “Witch’s Castle.” 🏰

But why the spooky name?

According to local legend, a coven of witches once gathered at the site, holding secret fires and performing strange midnight chants. 🔥🌙

And the stories don't stop there...

Some hikers today claim to have experienced sudden cold chills, seen mysterious shadows, or even heard the sound of footsteps on empty paths. 👣👀

Is Witch's Castle simply an old stone ruin—or is there something more mysterious hiding among the trees?

Would you be brave enough to explore it after dark? 🌲😱

What Is It Wednesday? 🤔🏛️Take a look at the piece shown below... any guesses what it is?Believe it or not, this small pi...
08/19/2026

What Is It Wednesday? 🤔🏛️

Take a look at the piece shown below... any guesses what it is?

Believe it or not, this small piece of cloth is actually a piece of the original flooring from the East Terrace Historic House!

During renovations, it was discovered underneath a door jamb, giving us a fascinating glimpse into what the home's flooring may have looked like in the late 1800s.

Today, you can see this original piece of flooring on display at the East Terrace Historic House Museum, along with a beautiful recreation of the rug created by some of our amazing volunteers! 🧵✨

Sometimes, even the smallest discoveries can help us piece together the stories of the past.

Have you seen this piece of East Terrace history in person? 👀

Address

810 S 4th Street
Waco, TX
76706

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 12:30pm

Telephone

+12547535166

Website

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