Last updated: 8/30/2016
Austin, Texas
Street Address
409 East Fifth StreetAustin, TX 78701
Mailing Address
409 East 5th StreetAustin, TX 78701
phone: 512-472-1903
fax: 512-472-7102
e-mail: melissa.parr@austintexas.gov
web: www.austintexas.gov/department/o-henry-museum

Hours

Sunday, Wednesday - Saturday
12 PM - 5 PM

Admissions

Free. Donations Accepted.

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Michael Hoinski
phone:
Jenna Cooper
phone:
Description

The O. Henry Museum offers a look into the life of William Sidney Porter in the Austin years leading up to his controversial prison term, after which he assumed the pen name O. Henry and set about transforming himself into the famed short story writer who authored such universal classics as "Gifts of the Magi," "The Ransom of Red Chief" and "The Cop and the Anthem."

Mission

The mission of the O. Henry Museum is to collect, preserve and interpret artifacts and archival materials relative to William Sidney Porter, the author otherwise known as O. Henry, for literary, educational, and historical purposes.

History

The O. Henry house was built in 1891. In 1934, the house was restored and moved to its current location at Brush Square in the heart of Austin's warehouse district. The museum features the Porter family furniture, personal artifacts and original manuscripts. The O. Henry Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic sites and has been designated as a Literary Landmark by the Library of Congress.

Artifact Collections
Books; Documents
Objects; Manuscripts
Drawings
1890 furnishings
O. Henry ephemera
Research Collections
Gilman Hall Collection
Unpublished manuscripts
Photographs
Educational Programs
Write by Night writing classes
Badgerdog book club for youth
Docent led tours for students and adults
Facilities

O.Henry is a 1200 square foot 1890s historic home. Occupancy Capacity is 15 people. O.Henry Museum is located in Brush Square an one acre downtown park, near transit routes. Next to the museum is an adjoining courtyard available for staging tours and outside seating.

Governance

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Facility

Library
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Publications

Quarterly newsletter, an annual report, brochures for special events and a year book of selected writings fro our book club.

Services
Your Next Literary Event

The courtyard next to the O.Henry Museum is available for literary events

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

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10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

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03/07 ConservArt Inc.

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Museum Associations

03/07 South Carolina Federation of Museums

Columbia, South Carolina