Chambers County Museum at Wallisville

05/11/2026

Join us Thursday, May 21st for our next History and Then Some lecture. Jim Nonus will share the history of Jean Lafitte with us.

We will not have any lectures during the summer, so this will be our last lecture until September of this year.

Come join us!!

05/01/2026

ECHOES OF VIETNAM . . .
Sam Glass Remembers
By Marie Hughes

By 1969, the Vietnam War had reached a turning point. There were still 500,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam, but public support at home was rapidly declining and strategies were beginning to shift. Intense combat continued, despite talks of withdrawal and jungle warfare, ambushes, and guerrilla tactics remained common. It was at this time that Sam Glass, of Oak Island, Texas, was drafted into the military. He was instructed to report to Local Board 86 of the Selective Service System on March 26, 1969, in Liberty, Texas. The executive secretary who sent the draft letter to Sam was standing nearby when he boarded the bus. “Mamma was crying, the boys were crying, everybody was upset and I’m sure she got plenty of cussing from them,” stated Sam. “People were not happy . . . the war wasn’t popular.

04/28/2026

Our deepest condolences to the family of Robert "Bob" Wallace. Bob was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Friday, April 24th. He faithfully served Chambers County as Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace for 21 years.

View Robert "Bob" Morris Wallace's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/16/2026

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT. Y'ALL COME!! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

Join us next Thursday, April 16th for our next History and Then Some lecture. Our guest speaker, Kristi Schiller, is deeply passionate about the incredible bond between humans and dogs, especially those canines who serve alongside our law enforcement officers. She founded K9s.org, an organization that helps officers access K9 partners, ensuring they have the support needed to protect our neighborhoods and keep families safe. Please call to reserve a spot. 409-374-2206

04/08/2026

Join us next Thursday, April 16th for our next History and Then Some lecture. Our guest speaker, Kristi Schiller, is deeply passionate about the incredible bond between humans and dogs, especially those canines who serve alongside our law enforcement officers. She founded K9s.org, an organization that helps officers access K9 partners, ensuring they have the support needed to protect our neighborhoods and keep families safe. Please call to reserve a spot. 409-374-2206

03/31/2026

I was so saddened to receive the call about our friend, Lester Hankamer’s passing. He and his wife, Ann were faithful friends and gracious supporters of the museum for many years. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family during this difficult time. The loss of this great patriarch affects us greatly . 💔

View Lester A. Hankamer, Sr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/27/2026

Ovvie Franssen ~ a Century of Memories
By Sheryl Shaw

03/27/2026

Dr. Nicholas T. Schilling
Saddle, Satchel, & Skill
By Marie Hughes

The Texas pioneer doctors serving the Texas frontier during the 1800s were a great source of hope for early settlers, as towns were widespread and hospitals were rare indeed. Many were self-taught, gaining hard-earned knowledge through mail order medical books and their personal successes and failures. Some fledgling doctors were lucky enough to find a doctor to study under. Chambers County was blessed to have Dr. Nicholas Schilling, a highly respected doctor in our area who received a formal education before arriving in Texas. Regardless of his educational status, he never elevated himself above his neighbors, but was known by all for his humility and benevolence.

Born in Bavaria, Germany in 1845, he moved to America, settling in Maryland when he was just a baby. After serving in the Maryland Cavalry, he attended Chicago Medical College (Now Northwestern University Medical School) receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1872. In 1874, he relocated to Texas. His practice was centered mostly in Cedar Bayou and West Chambers County. He always sported a goatee beard and the local children described him as looking like Santa Claus, with the exception, that is, of the black patch he always wore over his blinded eye. The poorest of his patients received the same concerned care as the wealthiest, accepting produce as his fee from those unable to pay, and sometimes just a home-cooked meal. Others paid by doing odd jobs like chopping firewood or mending fences.