Photo by Bryan Reeder
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Republic of Texas Presidential Library experienced a fire on its grounds last night that destroyed two structures, the pottery shed and glass blower shed, and severely damaged the woodworking workshop.
No Sam Houston-related artifacts were stored in the buildings. A 1930s reproduction of a McCormick reaper, a tool used for cutting grain, was damaged, according to Museum Director Derrick Birdsall.
“I’m grateful for the quick response from our area fire and police departments,” Birdsall said. “Both Huntsville fire stations responded, along with Crabbs Prairie and New Waverly fire departments, the Huntsville Police Department and University Police. Their quick response helped prevent the fire from spreading to other structures just a few feet away, including our historic cabins, which were not damaged.”
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. The museum is assessing the damage and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Photo by Bryan Reeder
