About Us
Our mission at The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County is to educate the public about Montgomery County's rich history! The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County features exhibits showcasing the county's roots, from the lumber and oil industries to the everyday lives of Montgomery County residents.
The Museum complex includes two historic homes and several outdoor exhibits. The historic Grogan/Cochran home, built in 1924, contains the main museum collection. The Strake/Gray home was moved to this area from the Conroe Oilfield and focuses on the lives of the people who lived there.
A variety of permanent and temporary exhibits are located in every space of both homes. These exhibits focus on the people, places, events, and cultures in our community. We are especially pleased to offer the opportunity to experience the art of Mark Clapham, an internationally known artist who lived in Conroe. Visitors can see a variety of Clapham's drawings, paintings, and sculptures, as well as some items from his personal historic collections.
The Museum also offers a resource collection, oral histories of county residents accessible through this website, and a fabulous gift shop featuring unique handmade and Texas-themed items. Special events and programs for adults and children are offered throughout the year.
The Grogan-Cochran Home
The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County is housed in the Grogan-Cochran home. These two families owned and operated 25 sawmills over the years. One of the first to open in Montgomery County was in 1917 where The Woodlands is located today. J. G. Grogan built this home in downtown Conroe. He and his family moved into it in 1924. Four generations of Cochrans occupied the home until the last descendant and owner, Carolyn Meadows Walker, donated it to be used for a museum. The home was moved to Candy Cane Park in Conroe in 1985.
Strake-Gray Oilfield House
1938 portable construction home built by George W. Strake, Sr. for his driller and the first Strake Oilfield Superintendent, Harvey Lee and later Clyde Thomas “Dolly” Gray. Dolly Gray was instrumental in perpetuating the Strake Company Baseball Team which later became the Conroe Wildcats.
Roughneck Bunkhouse
Used by employees working for Strake Oil Company.- At the end of the Roughneck’s shift, he would sleep in the bunkhouse and when they returned to the oilfield, the next group of roughnecks would sleep in the bunkhouse.