Round Rock Palm House Museum to remain closed, chamber exploring options

Ball said the week of Aug. 2 marked the completion of the process of packing artifacts of the home so that they can be stored and preserved properly, not so much marking a permanent closure of the museum, but the end to its time in operation with the chamber. In June, Round Rock residents who had items on display at the museum were asked to either pick them up or leave them to be packed and stored.

During its time with the museum, the chamber has made “thousands of dollars” worth of repairs and kept up with maintenance work for the property, including roof replacement, porch repair, paint, yard improvements and security systems, according to the chamber.

“Historic preservation is important to the Round Rock Chamber, our board of directors and to our community,” the chamber statement continues. “In our view, [the] best and most respectful thing to do is to align with groups and organizations that can provide the appropriate maintenance and care necessary, from professionals with training in historical preservation. The chamber team members are a highly capable and trained group of professionals—but they are not skilled in the maintenance, preservation and display of historical items.”

The Palm House Museum, named for its original owner, Andrew J. Palm, was previously located in the Palm Valley area a few miles north before being moved to its current address at 208 E. Main St., Round Rock.