Our cultural heritage is our identity.
Who we are
The Curtis family home at 630 Washington Street now serves as a center to give new life to the Carver neighborhood, a historically Black neighborhood in North Abilene.
Not only is the center a showcase and archive for the neighborhood Black History, it is a place of cultural significance in Carver Community, as well as a resource center to provide information on local Black History.
Discover the impact of Black Abilenians and Honor their legacies.
The Curtis House Cultural Center’s Mission is to celebrate and preserve Black History in Abilene and the Big Country. We educate about and restore Black History, provide resources, training, cultural awareness, and encourage community participation.
Our vision is to inspire the residents of Abilene and the surrounding communities to celebrate and preserve Black History.
Learn the Legacy of the Curtis Family and The History of a Local Funeral Home
This property used to be home to the Curtis family, who owned and operated a local Black funeral home, the Curtis-Starks Funeral Home, for over 50 years. We honor them and their legacy by sharing their history.
See Our Collection!
Honor and Remember Taylor County Black Veterans
Our Military Room stands as a monument to every U.S. Service Member who graduated from the all-black schools. These noble men and women are honored and remembered for their sacrifice. Our own Curator, Reverend Andrew Penns, is honored on this wall!
Learn the History of the Desegregation of Abilene Schools
The Curtis House holds a detailed history of the process of public school integration in Abilene. We have extensive records of the history of the Carter G. Woodson Schools and the educators who worked there.
Explore Our Black History Library, in Memory of Miss Eugenia Pickard
After Miss Eugenia Pickard’s passing, she left a significant fund in hopes of constructing a public library to be used by the Black community of Abilene. This library stands in honor of her and her generosity, and we continue her legacy of educating the community. The library is free and open to all!
Schedule a Tour!
Currently, the Curtis House offers free admission to all! We are typically open for walk-ins from 11-2 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but we are available for tours on request. Please fill out the form below or call us at (325) 701-7804 so we can figure out how best to accommodate you
Listen up.
Mrs. Ella Mae Caroll, a long-time resident of Abilene, Texas, shared her captivating oral history in an interview conducted by Director Alisha Taylor, Director of Cinematography Sammy Castillo, and Historian Jeremiah Taylor. Mrs. Carol's memories and experiences provided a rich tapestry of insights into the significance of the Curtis House in Black history and its impact on the local community. Her narrative illuminated the struggles and triumphs of generations past, inspiring a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and a call to preserve this important legacy for future generations.
Discover
our heritage's depth
In 2022, Director Alisha Taylor produced a documentary about the Curtis House Cultural Center, sharing the story of the center and the Black History of Abilene, Texas. The film includes in-depth interviews, as well as detailed information about the history of Abilene through engaging storytelling and personal narratives.
