History of the Center

The story of how the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center became a reality

Young people and others who have grown up in the last several decades know little about farming and ranching. The Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center was founded to educate the public, especially young people, about agriculture and our heritage. The Center has displays and events to help create the farming and ranching experience.

The Center is located on a working farm in Guadalupe County on land that has been farmed since the 1850’s. The land has been donated by Wilfred and Betty Bartoskewitz who are fifth generation farmers.

A steering committee was formed early in 2003 that helped form a Texas not-for-profit corporation. Individuals associated with the Farm Bureau, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Cooperative Extension, and Soil Conservation assisted with the planning. A charter was granted by the State of Texas in August of 2003. The center received its IRS determination letter early in March of 2004. The steering committee became the Board of Directors of the Texas Agriculture Education and Heritage Center.

Thousands of people of all ages come to visit, learn, reminisce, explore and relive the heritage and culture which founded the strength of America today.

Programs and displays have been developed to give visitors information and experiences in rural agricultural life as it existed and as it exists today.