The future of the Stone Fort Museum, also known as the Old Stone Fort Museum, on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, is threatened. The university’s Campus Master Plan map, “Draft Illustrative Plan” does not include the historic structure. The museum’s footprint is completely covered by a proposed new Science Building.  

The building will be 90 years old in 2026. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, a Texas Centennial structure, and is currently nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The building houses Nacogdoches’ first museum. The Nacogdoches Historical Society was formed in 1934 with the purpose of reconstructing the Old Stone Fort as a museum of Nacogdoches history. The museum continues to serve its original purpose for the community and the university receiving three national awards for interpretation. Museum programs support transformational learning opportunities for SFA students, in fact, the NRHP nomination was written by a Public History graduate student.

The original building built by Antonio Gil Y’Barbo defined downtown Nacogdoches for more than 100 years. It was demolished in 1902 to make way for a modern drugstore. Now, 123 years later, the Texas Centennial Landmark building is to be “moved” or demolished to make way for a modern science building. If the building is successfully moved, will it once again be ‘in the way’ of progress in 90 years? Is the legacy structure of Antonio Gil Y’Barbo’s stone house and the Texas Centennial Landmark not enough? When is a historic structure enough? 

To those that would say, we’ll just move it to a ‘better’ location: If a National Register property is moved, it is de-listed and considered not extant. To move or attempt to move the structure is to lose its historic value. 

As the third ‘Stone Fort,’ the Stone Fort Museum has served the university and the community for going on 90 years and is the only expression of the Texas Centennial in Nacogdoches and one of two extant Centennial structures in East Texas. 

It’s imperative that we garner support to ensure this storied landmark remains in its rightful place. By doing so, we preserve not just a building, but the narratives and knowledge it holds within its walls. Protecting the museum aligns with honoring our past, celebrating our present, and inspiring our future generations.

Join us in voicing strong support for the Stone Fort Museum to remain in its historic location, safeguarding its legacy for years to come. Let us stand together to protect our shared history and the educational opportunities it avails.

Integrate the fine arts and humanities with science, renovate the aging structure and add value to the campus. Keep character on campus!

Sign this petition to urge the university to revise their campus plans and preserve the Stone Fort Museum at its original site.