Heritage Village Museum is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Tyler County’s history. But what does that really mean, and why does it matter?

What is a Non-Profit Organization?

A non-profit organization operates for the public benefit rather than private profit. Heritage Village Museum is run by the Tyler County Heritage Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving Tyler County history from 1840 to 1920. This means that every dollar we receive goes directly back into our mission: maintaining historic buildings, developing educational programs, preserving artifacts, and sharing East Texas heritage with current and future generations.
Unlike traditional businesses that distribute profits to owners, non-profits reinvest all resources into their mission. We don’t exist to make money—we exist to make a difference.

The Three Pillars of Non-Profit Sustainability

Heritage Village depends on three essential sources of support:

Donations

Financial contributions allow us to repair historic buildings damaged by storms, purchase new artifacts for our collection, develop educational materials, and improve accessibility. Every donation—whether $10 or $10,000—makes a tangible difference. Recent donations helped us restore the Big Woods Nature Trail after hurricane damage and improve signage throughout the village.

Members

Members provide reliable, recurring support that allows us to plan for the future. Membership dues fund day-to-day operations: utilities, insurance, maintenance, and staffing. Members also receive benefits like free admission, discounts at the gift shop and Pickett House Restaurant, and invitations to special events. When you become a member, you become part of Heritage Village’s extended family.

Volunteers

Volunteers are our most valuable resource. With over 30 historic buildings and 11 acres of nature trails, maintaining Heritage Village requires countless hours of labor. Volunteers lead tours, staff events, maintain trails, preserve buildings, and share their skills with visitors. If you can’t contribute financially, volunteering is an equally important way to support our mission.
Why This Matters
Historic sites don’t maintain themselves. Without ongoing support, buildings deteriorate, artifacts are lost, and history fades away. Heritage Village preserves not just physical structures, but the knowledge, skills, and stories of the people who built Tyler County.

Your admission fee helps, but it covers only a fraction of our operating costs. Grants provide important funding for specific projects, but they don’t pay for everyday expenses like electricity, property taxes, and repair materials.
That’s why community support through donations, memberships, and volunteer hours is absolutely essential. You’re not just supporting a museum—you’re investing in education, preservation, and community identity.

How You Can Help

• Make a donation: Every contribution matters, whether one-time or recurring
• Become a member: Provide stable, ongoing support while enjoying member benefits
• Volunteer your time: Share your skills, knowledge, or simply your enthusiasm
• Visit and spread the word: Admission fees support our work, and word-of-mouth brings new supporters
• Attend special events: Event attendance generates important revenue
• Shop at our gift shop: Proceeds support Heritage Village programs
• Consider a legacy gift: Include Heritage Village in your estate planning

Heritage Village has survived and thrived for decades because community members recognized its value and supported its mission. Now it’s our generation’s turn to ensure that future visitors can experience this remarkable connection to the past.

To learn more about supporting Heritage Village through donations, membership, or volunteering, contact us at contact@heritage-village.org or call (409) 403-2025. Together, we’re not just preserving history—we’re investing in our community’s future.