The Austin County Jail Museum presented its end-of-year report to the Austin County Commissioners Court, highlighting a rise in visitors for 2024. The museum welcomed 2,258 registered guests—an increase of 384 compared to 2023. Running a museum smoothly requires significant effort, and the Museum Board – consisting of President: Bruce Noviskie, Vice President: Maurine Brack, Board Members: Milton Beckendorff, Joan Buenger, Vance Cooper, Charles Holmes, and Becky Larson- extended its gratitude to Austin County and the Commissioners Court for their support which enabled the completion of several major projects, with only a few carried over to 2025. Below are the items presented to the Commissioners Court.
Projects completed in 2024
- Roof Repairs: The hail-damaged roof was completely fixed, covered by county insurance.
- Parking Lot Updates: The alley parking lot was cleaned and repainted.
- Porch Fixes: The jail porch ceiling was repaired, and door weather stripping was added.
- Termite Damage: An exterior door frame with termite damage was addressed.
- New Steps: Concrete steps were installed in the alley parking lot.
- Door Transoms: The exterior door transoms were sanded and restained.
Projects carried over to 2025
- Replacing the exterior door near the alleyway.
- Adding new safety features inside the jail for visitors.
- Painting the stairwell walls in the jail section.
- Fixing a damaged windowpane in the living quarters.
- Sealing attic entrances.
The Austin County Jail Museum, built in 1896 at a cost of $19,970, served as a functioning jail and the residence for the sheriff and his family until 1982. Constructed by the Pauly Jail Building Co. of St. Louis, the Romanesque Revival structure features crenelated parapets, bartizans, and stone window arches, complementing the 1886 courthouse that later burned. While the gallows—used only once in 1901—have been removed and the jailer’s quarters expanded, the original exterior remains intact. Designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1976, the museum preserves this rich history for future generations.
Today, the Austin County Jail Museum is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is operated entirely by volunteers. If you love local history and want to get involved, consider hosting tours one Saturday a month! No prior experience is required—volunteers receive an orientation to get started. For more information or to sign up, contact Don Allphin at 979-877-5642 or Bruce Noviskie at 713-385-7141.
In 2023 Bellville celebrated its 175th anniversary. One of the events was a “jail break” at high noon. You can view this historic event below!
