Texas Confederate Museum Collection
(Mission Statement)
United Daughters of the Confederacy and UDC are registered trademarks
The Texas Confederate Museum Collection is held in public trust for the citizens of the State of Texas by the Texas Division United Daughters of the Confederacy. The mission of the Texas Confederate Museum Collection is to collect and preserve artifacts and other historical materials relating to the history of the Confederate States and interpret the collection to the public through the use of exhibits, educational programs and publications.
Sales from this poster aid in the conservation of the flags in the collection of
The Texas Division,
United Daughters of the Confederacy. (See history below.)
To order, send $12 which includes shipping
For more posters, please email for quote on shipping and cost
Note****
Make checks payable to:
Treasurer, Texas Division, UDC
Mail to:
Shirley Woodlock
416 N. Bermuda St.
Waco, Texas 76705-1326
For information contact:
Flag photography by Dan Hatzenbuehler
History of the Texas Confederate Museum Collection
And
The Texas Civil War Museum,
(White Settlement, Fort Worth, Texas)
Click the "Bonnie Blue"
flag to return HOME
Mary West Chapter 26
Background music: "Bonnie Blue Flag"
Counter added,
9 Mar 2004
Help Texas Division UDC Conserve our Flags and other artifacts.
For sale:
Flag Poster (pictured)
See below for information
Link: Visit The Texas Division, UDC Website by clicking the star
This page was last updated on: August 26, 2008
The Texas Confederate Museum began in 1903 with its first home in the Texas State Capitol. In 1917, needing more room, it moved next door into the Old General Land Office building. Due to Capitol renovation, in 1988, it was moved into storage. Since that time, several attempts have been made to secure a permanent home for the Collection, which continues to grow in value due to the conservation efforts of the Texas Daughters. A Volunteer Pre-View was held on October 22, 2005. On January 24, 2006, the Museum held a viewing for the Press from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dream of a permanent home for the UDC collection became a reality when on January 25, 2006, the Texas Civil War Museum opened its doors to the public.
Artifacts and flags are exhibited on a rotating basis which will allow them to rest between exhibits. A beautiful giftshop with items of interest to all ages, is also located within the museum. The building is basically a one story structure; however, space for the storage of merchandise has been allotted above the gift shop and lobby area.
The "The Texas Civil War Museum", 760 North Jim Wright Freeway, Fort, Worth, Texas, was built at an approximate cost of $1.5M and has 15,500 square feet of floor space. The building also houses the office of the Director, the Business Office of The Texas Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy and an office for Mr. Ray Richey.
This quality museum is a partnership between Ray and Judy Richey and the Texas Division, UDC. It incorporates the UDC collection and the private collections of Mr. and Mrs. Richey. Ray collection includes uniforms, guns, flags and other items relating to the war. Judy has one of the most beautiful Victorian era collections imaginable. Her items are displayed in an area devoted to her costumes. Separate galleries house the three collections, those belonging to the Richey's and the UDC. The UDC collection contains thousands of artifacts including a wide variety of textiles, books, artwork, paper, guns, sabers and accoutrements. The original flags are the most valued part of this collection with several of them on display.
The "Texas Civil War Museum" is fully handicap accessible and was built to conform to all museum standards for safety of the collections which includes lighting, humidity control, security, fire suppression, etc.
Currently there are 47 flags in the UDC collection with an estimated value exceeding one million dollars. Of this collection, 33 of the flags are Confederate, 23 of these having belonged to Texas Units. It is the largest collection of its type in the state. The collection also has four Union flags, three post war flags and four United Confederate Veterans flags. Only three flags remain to be conserved.
In 1992, under the direction of then museum directors, Sherry Davis and Cynthia Loveless Harriman, conservation efforts were begun. Since that time, thousands of dollars have been raised for conservation and care of the flags.
Sponsorship of a flag can be pledged and paid over a three year period. Once a majority of the conservation costs have been secured, the flag is shipped to the conservator. Upon final payment, the flag will be returned to the Museum Collection and will be available for viewing. Any flag having been adopted by individuals, organizations or endowment institutions will bear a plaque prominently naming those sponsors. Textile Preservation, Inc., known to be one of the finest textile conservators in North America, is used to conserve the flags in the collection. Presently, the non-conserved flags are being stored in specially designed archival boxes.
The UDC stands firm in its resolve to have all the flags conserved and available to the public for viewing at some point in the
future. The charge given to the daughters is not one we take lightly. These flags represent more than just history. They symbolize truth and sacrifice and are the single most important legacy left to us embodying the spirit behind why the soldiers fought, bled and died. It was the flag for which the soldiers followed from the safety of their home onto the battlefield. It was their blood-stained remnants that helped bond a regiment and it was the flag which brought them back to their reunions. These flags are so rich in honor and glory that they far surpass any material wealth. They are the very reminder of why the Texas soldier is numbered among some of the greatest and bravest men any war has ever produced.
Much of the above information was provided by Mrs. Deena Harrison Dark, President, Texas Division, 2000-2002, and Mrs. Esther Sims, Director, Texas Civil War Museum.
This information was updated and revised to fit this site by:
Shirley Woodlock
If you should desire to become a sponsor or make a donation towards the conservation of one of our flags or artifacts, please contact Shirley Woodlock. (Ask about the "$500 Club".)
The Texas Confederate Museum Collection is a member of the Texas Association of Museums (TAM), the American Association of Museums and the Texas Historical Foundation.
Members of the Texas Division, United Daughters of the Confederacy, extend a very heartfelt "Thank You" to Ray and Judy Richey for making our long awaited dream, a "Dream Come True".
Please join us in Fort Worth, Texas where you will learn more about Texas and the War Between the States.
Click the ribbon to return to the Texas Division, UDC website
