The Texas Prison Museum, home of "Old Sparky" the electric chair, is moving to a larger and more modern facility. The grand opening of the new building elsewhere in Huntsville is scheduled for November 13, 2002 at 3 pm.

The Prison Museum promises an array of festivities November 13th and continuing through Saturday, November 16th, with free admission to all. Events include book signings, children's fingerprinting, an Eastham Raid of 1934 re-enactment, and an inmate art and crafts sale. The Correctional Officer Choir will perform, and the TDCJ Honor Guard will be in formation.

Tipster Julie Ross wrote: "I will definitely be there and I will have my 'photograph taken inside a replica of a prison cell'! Can't wait to hear the Correctional Officer choir. As a graduate from the 1980's Scared Straight Program -- treated as a prisoner and held inside Huntsville Pen for a day -- I can't wait to get back to Huntsville!"

The new museum will continue the expert presentations by retired warden James (Jim) Willett, who left the Huntsville Walls unit last year after supervising 89 executions. "Old Sparky," the decommissioned electric chair that dispensed with 361 condemned prisoners, will likely continue as the main attraction. There is 6,000 square feet of exhibit space, and a conference center available for rental.

New location: 491 SH 75 North, Huntsville. Tues. - Fri. noon to 5 pm; Sat., 10 am to 5 pm; Sun., noon to 5 pm. [09/28/2002]

November 26, 2009