Hezikiah Haskell House

Hezikiah Haskell House Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Austin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Why Visit the Hezikiah Haskell House?

The Hezikiah Haskell House stands as a remarkable testament to Austin, Texas’s African American heritage and the post-Reconstruction era. Situated in the heart of the historic Clarksville neighborhood—one of the oldest freedmen’s communities west of the Mississippi—the house offers visitors an unparalleled window into the experiences, resilience, and achievements of formerly enslaved African Americans who shaped Austin’s early development (Austin History Center; Austin Museums; Austin Texas Government).

Today, the Haskell House operates as both a museum and community space, illuminating the stories of the Haskell family and the broader Clarksville community, and providing a hub for heritage education and civic engagement. Its architecture, intact period features, and interpretive exhibits make it a must-visit destination for those interested in Austin historical sites and the city’s African American legacy (Preservation Austin; Austin Texas).

Essential Visitor Information at a Glance

Location: 1703 Waterston Avenue, Austin, TX 78703
Regular Visiting Hours:
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd & 4th Sundays: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays and major holidays
Admission: Free; donations encouraged. Some programs or special tours may require advance booking.
Guided Tours: By appointment or during special events.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible areas and restrooms; contact in advance for specific needs.
[Contact & Updates: Hezikiah Haskell House Visit](#contact-&-updates:-hezikiah-haskell-house-visit)

Historical Context and Construction

Origins:
The Haskell House is the oldest documented residence in Clarksville, built circa 1875 by Peter Tucker and his wife Betty, both formerly enslaved. Their effort to establish a permanent home reflected the aspirations of many African Americans to create self-sufficient communities during Reconstruction (Austin Monitor). After changing hands to Edwin and Mary Smith, the house became a crucial spiritual and social hub, hosting the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church’s earliest gatherings (Austin Texas Government).

The Haskell Family:
Hezikiah Haskell, a Union Army veteran and Buffalo Soldier, married Catherine Smith and acquired the house from her family. The Haskells raised their family there, and their stewardship made the house a center of community support, activism, and education (Austin Texas; Austin Museums).

Architecture:
Built using local limestone and longleaf pine, the house typifies late 19th-century vernacular architecture, with Victorian influences in its symmetrical façade, gabled roof, and decorative woodwork. Despite restoration and modernization (electricity, plumbing), the house retains much of its original character and features (Preservation Austin).

Clarksville: A Legacy of Freedom

Clarksville, founded in 1871 by James Clark, is one of Texas’s earliest “freedom colonies.” It provided a haven for Black Austinites pursuing autonomy and opportunity following Emancipation. The Haskell House, as the district’s oldest structure, is a living link to this pivotal era (Austin Monitor).

The house’s ongoing association with the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church—still active today—underscores its significance within Clarksville’s enduring legacy (Austin Monitor).

Preservation and Community Use

After Hezikiah Haskell Jr. passed away in 1976, the house was deeded to the City of Austin. The Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Clarksville Community Development Corporation (CCDC), undertook substantial restoration and adapted the house for use as a museum and community venue (Clarksville CDC). Today, the Haskell House hosts community meetings, educational programs, and features a community garden—continuing its tradition as a neighborhood focal point.

The house is recognized as a City of Austin and State of Texas Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part of the federal Reconstruction Era National Historic Network (Austin Museums).

Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Standard Visiting Hours

Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd & 4th Sundays: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Mondays & major holidays

Check the official visit page for special holiday hours or event closures.

Admission and Tickets

General Admission: Free; donations encouraged.
Guided Tours: Available by appointment or during scheduled events; advance booking recommended for groups.
Group & School Visits: Contact in advance for special arrangements (Clarksville CDC).

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entry and restrooms (some historic areas may be limited).
Large-print, Braille, and audio guides provided.
Contact the site 48 hours in advance for specific needs (Accessibility Services).

What to See and Do

Guided and Self-Guided Tours

Guided Tours: Led by local historians, focusing on architecture, the Haskell family, and Clarksville’s history.
Self-Guided Visits: Printed and digital guides, plus a mobile app with audio commentary and archival images (Hezikiah Haskell House App).

Exhibits and Interpretation

Permanent Collection: Artifacts, photographs, and stories from the Haskell family and Clarksville residents.
Interactive Media: Virtual tours and interactive maps available online and onsite.

Special Events

Living History Days: Monthly reenactments of 19th-century crafts and daily life.
Lecture Series & Festivals: Talks by historians, holiday open houses, and garden parties (Events Calendar).

Practical Information

Getting There

Address: 1703 Waterston Avenue, Austin, TX 78703
Public Transit: Served by bus routes 20 and 332.
Parking: Street parking available; arrive early for best options.

On-Site Amenities

Gift Shop: Books, crafts, and artifact reproductions.
Restrooms: Accessible, located in the visitor center.
Water Stations and Seating: Available in the gardens.
Wi-Fi: Free public access.

Photography Policy

Personal photography permitted except in restricted areas.
No flash or tripods indoors; commercial photography requires a permit (Photography Policy).

Sustainability

Energy-efficient lighting, composting, recycling, and native landscaping are integral to site operations (Sustainability at Haskell House).

Neighborhood Highlights and Nearby Attractions

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church: Historic congregation still at the heart of Clarksville.
George Washington Carver Museum: African American history and culture.
Clarksville Neighborhood Park: Green space for relaxation.
Hyde Park Attractions: Shipe Park, Elisabet Ney Museum, and popular local eateries (Shipe Park Info; Elisabet Ney Museum; Hyde Park Bar & Grill; Quack’s Bakery).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours of the Hezikiah Haskell House?
A: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: Admission is free; tickets not required for general entry. Guided tours and events may require advance booking.

Q: Is the house wheelchair accessible?
A: Main entry and restrooms are accessible; some areas may have limited access due to historic structure.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by appointment and during special events. Self-guided options are also available.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Personal photography is allowed except in restricted areas; no flash or tripods indoors.

Q: Are group and school tours available?
A: Yes, contact in advance for arrangements and educational programs.

Q: How do I get there by public transit?
A: Bus routes 20 and 332 serve the area; stops are a short walk from the house.

Q: What else can I see nearby?
A: Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, George Washington Carver Museum, Clarksville Neighborhood Park, and more.

Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected

Check the latest hours, events, and visitor guidelines:
Hezikiah Haskell House Visit
Download the Audiala app for curated tours and updates.
Follow local heritage organizations and the Clarksville CDC on social media.
For further reading and planning:
Visit Austin
People’s History in Texas

Sources and Official Links

Experience the Hezikiah Haskell House—a cornerstone of Austin’s African American and architectural heritage. Plan your visit, explore the neighborhood, and become part of this living history.