KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 22, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy is full of history and fun from historical Katy homes, city historical artifacts, and the stories of how Katy became the city it is today. Get out this summer and explore your city. The Katy Heritage Park and Historical Homes are full of history and great for all ages and stages.
Katy Heritage Park and Historical Homes
Newcomers should take time to get to know this city full of so much history. Have you been here a while? There’s no better time to get indoors and enjoy a historic museum out of the Katy heat!
The Katy Heritage Park and Historical Homes
5990 George Bush Drive
First full weekend of the Month
The Katy Historical Park and Historical Homes is a collection of 5 historical Katy homes that are all over 100 years old. The homes were all moved in 2003 (yes, they were physically moved) to their current location, making The Katy Heritage Park what it is today.
Walk into Katy History
“One of my favorite houses has always been the Wright Museum,” says Adrienne Davitz, President of The Katy Heritage Society. “Some of my favorite pieces are the coat and bonnet that belonged to David and Sarah Wright.”
The black silk coat is what he wore when he married Sarah in 1873. Twenty-five years later she wore the bonnet on their wagon ride as they moved to Katy from Missouri. They moved into the house that Katy families can tour today.
The Wright Museum is full of so much Katy history from artwork, local newspapers that date back to the late 1800’s, and so much more. The best finds are those that tie the house into the history of its owners.
David and Sarah’s son, John David Sr. was the first pharmacist in Katy and because of that the home had one of the first phones installed. This way he could stay in contact with the pharmacy. His pharmacy desk and many tools are on display in the home.
John David Wright Sr.'s pharmaceutical desk.
His daughter, Roberta Rylander (namesake for Rylander Elementary) followed her father’s career choice by going to pharmaceutical school back when most women didn’t pursue higher education.
There are many museum items on display because of Rylander, who was also the first Katy Heritage Society President, including her two self-published books and her girl scout uniform.
While the Wright Museum is set up like a museum, The Featherston home is set up like a home. When you walk inside it’s like walking back in time.
Other historical homes that visitors can see on a guided tour are the Stockdick house, the historic post office, Wash Shed, and eventually the Mess Hall.
Tour Information
The homes are open for guided tours the first full weekend of each month from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. and the tour starts at the Wright Museum.
Katy Kids Love the Tours too
There is even a scavenger hunt activity for children to help them engage with the history around them.
The homes are maintained by the Katy Heritage Society. Tours are free but donations are appreciated.
The Katy Heritage Society also operates the Train Depot located on First Street, which welcomes visitors Wednesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Depot holds many railroad relics and historical exhibits.
A look inside the Featherston Home.
Join The Katy Heritage Society
The Katy Heritage Society depends on public donations and annual memberships to continue its work. Visit their website to make a donation or learn more about becoming a member. Membership is open to all Katy residents.
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