Sheriff Rand Henderson said in a news release that the museum showcases the journey of the sheriff's office through displays of historical artifacts.
"Reflecting on our history, how far we have come and how bright the future is for Montgomery County is humbling," he said. "Reflecting on the past is profoundly inspiring and challenges us to continue to lead, innovate and honor our rich history of public safety service.”
The new building commemorates the history of the 185-year-old sheriff’s department with photos, uniforms, memorabilia and newspaper clippings. According to the MCSO website, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office was established after Montgomery County became the third county in the Republic of Texas in 1837. Since its inception, 41 sheriffs have served Montgomery County.
Mementos displayed in the museum include patches, uniforms, books, equipment and an old-school police motorcycle and squad car. During the museum's soft opening in December, Henderson said many of the donated items came from retired law enforcement officers.
"It's amazing that we've been around this long as one of the original Texas counties," he said. "The committee has worked so hard gathering these artifacts. Some of the them they even found on eBay and purchased themselves because it was that important that some of these images, patches and badges were on display for everyone to see."
The layout of the museum is a natural progression of the first sheriff's office built in 1837 to today's status as the seventh largest sheriff's office in Texas.
According to the release, the museum will be staffed by Montgomery County Citizens Academy Alumni Association volunteers and open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum will provide a space for training and presentations and host group tours upon request.
