Nestled in downtown Longview, the Gregg County Historical Museum has stood as a beacon of local history for four decades. Through its exhibits and activities, the museum invites visitors to step back in time and learn about the people and events that shaped Gregg County.
“The museum is here to show people the history of Gregg County,” said Marc Welch, president of the museum’s Board of Directors.
The Gregg County Historical Museum opened June 2, 1984, in the former Everett Building in downtown Longview. Built in 1910 to house Citizens National Bank, the Everett Building is the only example of classical revival commercial architecture in Longview, according to the Texas Historical Commission. The building is a recorded Texas historic landmark since 1983 – one year prior to the museum opening.
Since it opened, the Gregg County Historical Museum has played host to visitors from all 50 states and dozens of other countries throughout the years.
When visitors enter the museum, they’re introduced to exhibits that tell various chapters of the region’s past. Welch said one of the museum’s popular exhibits is the Dalton Gang exhibition. Through artifacts, images and 
information, the exhibit informs visitors about the moment in 1894 when outlaw Bill Dalton and his gang rode into Longview and robbed First National Bank. What ensued was one of the largest shootouts in the Old West.
A military exhibition traces the history of the U.S. military from the Spanish-American War through Vietnam.
The museum also features an exhibition that highlights industrial development in the region, including LeTourneau Technologies (now, Komatsu Mining Corp.) and Eastman Chemical Co. Other exhibits share information about the East Texas oil boom and the railroad, both of which shaped the fabric of the community. The museum also boasts interesting features, such as a pioneer cabin, for children to explore.
Throughout the year, the Gregg County Historical Museum hosts a variety of activities to engage the community. In the spring, the museum hosts Dalton Days – a downtown event tied to the Dalton Gang shootout. The event informs attendees about the history of the Old West and offers hands on activities and demonstrations for children and families to enjoy. A highlight of the annual event is a re-enactment of the Old West shootout involving the Dalton Gang. The re-enactment puts an emphasis on celebrating the bravery and heroism of Longview citizens and law enforcement officers.
Each May, the museum hosts its annual Kentucky Derby Party fundraiser which offers attendees the opportunity to play casino games, bid on silent auction items, and drink Mint Juleps while enjoying watching the Kentucky Derby.
Summertime exhibits, such as the NASA exhibit in 2023 and the “Evolution of Flight” exhibit in 2024, serve as opportunities to educate children about facets of history while they are on summer break. In the fall, the museum hosts the annual Landmarks of Longview Home Tour, which showcases historical homes; meanwhile, in December the Living History Christmas and model train exhibit delight children.
While the museum celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024, Welch said they’re already looking toward the future and plans for expansion.
“We are in the process of restoring the floors upstairs so we can move our offices to that area, which will free up a large area to expand our military exhibit. Expanding the military exhibit and moving it downstairs will allow us to expand our Native American exhibit,” he said.
“Here at our museum, we try to save local history,” he said. “You can’t live in the past, but you can come to our museum and you can see how the past was.”
Each December, the Gregg County Historical Museum features a model train exhibit that is popular in the community. Welch said the museum is also in the process of putting together a permanent smaller train set up on the main floor of its building.
Welch said the museum’s goal will continue to be the same: to preserve and celebrate local history.
