Discover The Crawford Genealogical Center and Museum

Discover the Crawford family, Crawford allied and collateral family's legacy through our artifacts and stories

Discover Crawford's Rich History

Explore Our Museum and Archives

Welcome to the Crawford Family Historical Museum located in San Marcos, Texas which began operation in 1982. Coming soon is the new additional location in Ganado, Texas!  Explore a tapestry of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the Crawford family’s journey from Scotland migrating through Colonial America and ultimately arriving in the Republic of Texas in 1837.  We have a collection of early Texas Furniture, various documents of local history, as well as Crawford and Allied Families genealogical history.

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Eloise Crawford

A Legacy Begins

Mary Amanda Eloise Crawford, born on August 12, 1894, in Comal County, Texas, was the daughter of William Henry Crawford and Josephine Caroline (Carrie) Henderson Crawford. A brilliant academic, Eloise was fluent in Spanish and passionate about education. Her dedication to preserving family history and her substantial collection of heirlooms laid the foundation for the Crawford Family Historical Museum, ensuring the family's legacy would be cherished for generations.

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Roots in Hays County

Life on the Family Farm

Shortly after her birth, Eloise was brought to her parents' newly purchased farm in Hays County, overlooking San Marcos. This picturesque setting became the backdrop of her childhood. Eloise's early years on the farm were filled with learning and exploration, fostering her deep connection to the land and her family's history. This bond to her home remained strong throughout her life and influenced her later endeavor to establish a permanent place for the future generations to promote education on history, culture and heritage.

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Uncover America's Pioneer Legacy

Discover the purpose of the Crawford Family Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving American heritage. Explore detailed biographies, significant historical events, and authentic artifacts and documents, highlighting the pioneers' legacy.

Biographies of Pioneers

Discover detailed biographies of Americans involved in the westward migration starting in the early 1600s.

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Significant Historical Narratives

Explore narratives of pivotal events in the lives of pioneers that shaped American history.

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Artifacts and Documents

View photographs, artifacts, and original documents, including wills and deeds, showcasing the American West's settlement.

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A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Academic Excellence and Teaching Career

Eloise Crawford graduated from San Marcos High School in May 1912 and continued her education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917. She began her teaching career in Goldthwaite, Texas, and later taught in San Antonio. Eloise's dedication to education spanned 40 years, earning her the Distinguished Service Award in 1964. Fluent in both the English and Spanish languages, her commitment to teaching and her community was unwavering. The Crawford Family Historical Museum, Inc. was created to preserve history, heritage, and artifacts to honor the hardships, challenges, and triumphs of many pioneering families in the area, including the Crawfords, and to ensure their history would be celebrated, remembered, and shared with the public. The museum is also the home of Anna Tennessee Crawford Gary, daughter of HR Crawford, and the Westward Migration Museum, which highlights the Crawford families’ allied and collateral genealogical history. This laid the foundation for Crawford Family Historical Museum, Inc.

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Preserving a Family Legacy

Founding the Museum

Eloise's passion for preserving family history led her to collect numerous heirlooms and artifacts over the years. Realizing the significance of these items, she founded the Crawford Family Historical Museum in November 1983 on the property her parents purchased the year she was born. The museum was created to preserve and share the Crawford family's legacy with the public, ensuring their history would be celebrated and remembered.

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From Scotland to San Marcos

The Crawford Family's Journey

The museum showcases the Crawford family's migration from Scotland to the United States and their early settlement on Old Post Rd between New Braunfels and San Marcos. These stories highlight the Crawford family's resilience, dedication, and lasting impact on the community.

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Genealogical research and workshop area coming soon

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Educational Programs and Workshops

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The Crawford Museum's Impact on the Community
Enriching Lives Through History

The Crawford Family Historical Museum enriches the San Marcos community by providing educational opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering connections through engaging events and activities.

A black and white drawing of a school building with a graduation cap and pencils.

Community Connections

Our Genealogical Center, celebrate local history and allow for collaboration, learning and sharing discoveries.

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Cultural Preservation

Preserving artifacts and documents, our museum of history also state CFHM, Inc. ensures future generations have the opportunity to appreciate their local history.

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Community Engagement

Our museum of history hosts events and activities, fostering community connections and engaging with local history.

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Calling All Descendants of Henry Rutherford Crawford!

We are excited to announce that the Crawford Family Historical Museum is open to all descendants and spouses of descendants from Henry Rutherford Crawford, born in 1811 in Tennessee and passed away in 1837 in Texas. For more information, please reach out to Christi Crawford Ellard via email at Cellard@cfhmtx.org. We look forward to connecting with you!

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A Mission of Cultural Preservation

Preserving History for Future Generations

The Crawford Family Historical Museum, a Texas nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to promoting social welfare, education, and historical preservation. Our mission is to pass on the true cultural history of the Crawford family and American pioneers to future generations. Through our extensive collections, educational programs, and genealogical research center, we strive to ensure that the legacy of the Crawford family and their contributions to American history are preserved and celebrated for years to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about our services? We've provided answers to some of our most common inquiries.

  • Why is Crawford Family Historical Museum so popular?

    The Crawford Family Historical Museum is popular for several reasons. As a history museum, it offers a unique and immersive experience of the Crawford family's past. This museum features artifacts, photographs, and documents that vividly illustrate the family's legacy. Visitors are particularly drawn to the exhibits, which set this museum apart. Additionally, CFHM, Inc can provide educational programs and workshops, making it a valuable learning resource. Crawford Family Historical Museum, Inc is dedicated to engaging and educating through both locations with the Crawford Genealogical Center and Museum in San Marcos, TX and the future opening of the Westward Migration Museum in Ganado, TX.

  • What are the visiting hours for the Crawford Family Historical Museum?

    Open by appointment!


    -Both locations are excited about upcoming programs that will be available for small student groups by appointment.

  • What types of artifacts and exhibits can I expect to see at the museum?

    The museum features a wide variety of artifacts, including furniture, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the Crawford family's history.

  • How can I access the genealogical research center?

    Please call for an appointment also let us know which surnames you are researching.

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