The Museum & Grounds are now closed to the public.

The Museum will reopen for Self-Guided Tours on April 3rd. Guided Tours resume on April 28th.

Tickets now available.

Fall & Early Winter Temporary Exhibition

Natalie Hays Hammond Temporary Exhibit Room:
“Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays

September 17 – January 3rd
Access is included with your admission.


“Brave-Too-Much”: The Legend of John Coffee Hays

The Hays in John Hays Hammond Jr. is a tribute to his great-uncle, Colonel John Coffee Hays. Called “Captain Jack” by his friends and “Devil Jack” by his enemies, this lawman and soldier had a life and career so storied and successful that it has passed into legend. This is a rare case when legend is inseparable from documented history.

From Tennessee to Texas to Mexico to California, Jack Hays cantered along a trail of adventure and glory rivaled by few in U.S. history. Yet this Texas Ranger-turned-military commander-turned-Sheriff remained humble; our exhibit is not bound by such restraint.