Carnegie Library
Now housing the Terrell Heritage Museum
207 N. Frances Street
In September 1903, the cornerstone was laid at Frances and High to start the construction of the first public library in Kaufman County. Six short months later, the Carnegie Public Library opened its doors to the people of Terrell and the community of Kaufman County.
Andrew Carnegie built 2,509 libraries worldwide between 1883 and 1929, ours being only one of 13 still standing in Texas.
The library served the city of Terrell through the 1980s until it was transitioned to the Terrell Heritage Museum.
Today, the Museum boasts a plethora of information, some prominently displayed, while some are tucked away on shelves and in stacks of journals and folders. Anything you’d like to know about the history of our quaint town can be found in these albums, including the Railroad that built Terrell. The museum’s exhibit chronicles the profound impact of the railroad on the birth and growth of our beloved city.
Another fascinating exhibit is the First Car in Terrell. The story behind Hetty Green and her son, Col E.H.R Green, and his car is worth investigating. Want to know who the roads in Terrell were named after and their stories? It’s in the museum. Are you curious about the history of the British Flying Training School? It’s there. Almost all the prominent families who established our town are represented in these archives.
The Carnegie building itself is worth a look. The original woodwork, including the staircases, is a step back in time. Groups have met here for over 120 years, making it easy to imagine ladies in their finest frocks sitting down for tea, news, and gossip. The second floor hosts a lovely pipe organ where concerts used to be held.
The Museum is experiencing a new life with the addition of Discover Terrell - a podcast on Spotify.
Stop in here for your tickets to the Home Tour and take in the rich history of our town.