Historical Markers - Dinner Theater - Museums - Homes Tours - Magnolia Belles - Volunteers and Partners in Tourism

Location: 425 Spring Street, Stafford Opera House
Columbus, Texas 78934
Telephone: 979-732-5135
Fax:  979-732-5881

The area’s foremost historical preservation society, the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc. was founded in the spring of 1961 as the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc. due to the tremendous interest in the old homes and buildings concentrated in and around Columbus. 

The organization is responsible for raising funds to restore many of the area's historic homes and buildings and for educating the public about Columbus' history and its role in Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico.

Historical Markers and Interpretive Signage
Thanks to the ongoing preservation efforts of CHPT, Inc., Medallions of the State Historical Survey Committee have been placed on almost 80 sites in Columbus.

In addition to homes, historic medallions also mark the location of former landmarks such as the Columbus Tap Railway, the Railway Hospital, Robson's Castle, the Columbus Female Seminary, and the Rangers of Austin's Colony. 

Interpretive Signage is located near several of our house museums.  These signs serve as a unique educational tool and enhance the tourism experience through the use of photos, maps and timelines that expand on the information provided on our  historical markers.

Preservation and Restoration  
Today, several buildings have also been restored and are open to the public for view.  CHPT, Inc. currently maintains the following museums: 1886 Stafford Opera House and Museum; Dilue Rose Harris House Museum; Alley Log Cabin & Tool Museum; the Tate-Senftenburg-Brandon House Museum; and the Mary Elizabeth Hopkins Santa Claus Museum.

Workshops and Seminars
Throughout the year, CHPT, Inc. conducts educational workshops for the public and hosts informative seminars on a variety of topics of interest to preservationists and history buffs. 

Museum Tours
Many of CHPT's properties have regular operating hours and are open to the public as museums throughout the year.   Those that do not have regular operating hours are available for viewing by the public during special events such as Christmas on the Colorado and the Live Oak Festival. 

Groups of 7 or more are also welcome to tour the homes by appointment by scheduling a tour with the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Candlelight Homes Tours
Each year on the first Friday in December, CHPT, Inc. organizes a candlelight tour of private homes in the community.  As the kick-off to the Christmas on the Colorado festivities, this activity serves as a fund-raiser for the organization and as a way to raise visitors and resident awareness about the breadth of important historical assets that exist in our community.

Magnolia Belles
With a determination to continue its legacy of preservation, and in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of docents for its growing number of museums, in the mid-1970’s, the organization began a program through which young ladies could present themselves to become Magnolia Belles. During their senior year of High School, the young women participate in a training program in which they learn about Texas history and architecture.

They are then provided opportunities to convey their knowledge to visitors during tours of the area’s museums. Upon completion of a specified number of volunteer hours, the successful candidates are presented during a formal debut at the Stafford Opera House on the Friday evening prior to the Live Oak Festival. They are also presented publicly on Saturday morning on the courthouse square. The tradition continues through the present day, with the Live Oak Festival still held annually the third weekend in May.

~ James Mansfield ~ Tabby ~ Dog Trot Cabins ~ Raked Stage ~ General Sam Houston ~ Renaissance Revival ~ Through Truss Bridges ~ Charles Eastlake ~ Corsets ~ Victorian ~ Greek Revival ~ Texas Rangers ~

Each year, thousands of visitors travel to Columbus to tour our historic properties.  Some come by Precinct bus from nearby urban centers, while others comprise school groups, Red Hatters™, and individuals or families who are interested in history or are just looking for a fun and educational way to pass the time.

Docents are an important piece of our heritage tourism programming.  Without these dedicated volunteers, we would not be able to conduct our tours.

do•cent (dōsĕnt)  n. 1. A knowledgeable person who conducts guided groups through a museum or art gallery. 2. A joy to be around.  3.  The backbone of preservation and heritage tourism.

Although some of our docents have special skills which they use to demonstrate lost crafts, just about anyone who has the interest and dedication may become a docent.  Docent training is ongoing throughout the year.  Becoming a docent does not require any prior expertise in architecture, history or museum work, however it does demand a serious commitment and enthusiasm.

~ Private Banks ~ Jodhpurs ~ Migration to Texas ~ Pie Safes ~ Corner Notching ~ Typhoid ~ Courthouse Square ~ Italianate ~ Language of the Fan ~

If you've never served as a docent, we invite you to expand your horizons and meet energetic people with a common interest. After completing docent training, you will be share your knowledge with visitors from all over the world and can be proud  that your efforts are helping to preserve history for years to come.

~ Rococo Revival ~ Oriental Rugs ~ Ice Box ~ Stereoscope ~ Victorian Egg Collection ~ Hooded Arch ~ Arts & Crafts ~          Spinning ~ ...and so much more!

If being a docent is not your cup of tea, we have other volunteer opportunities: in the museums; at the Trust office; during special events; in the area of children’s education; and research in the field. 

If you do not have the time to volunteer, but would still like to  support our mission of preservation and education, consider becoming a member of the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, Inc.  Just give us a call at 979-732-5135.

Colorado County Courthouse, abt. 2003