(Sherry Roberts Williams, Class of 1974)
For many in our community, Spring Branch High School wasn’t just a school—it was the heartbeat of our neighborhood. Opened in 1953 as the district’s first high school, it quickly became a place where friendships blossomed, traditions were born, and pride ran deep.
When the school closed in 1985, much of that history was nearly lost—until a determined group of alumni refused to let it slip away.
One of those champions was Linda McDonald House. Along with fellow graduates, she gathered memorabilia, rescued trophies and uniforms, and created a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the school’s story. In 1990, their dream became reality when they opened a small museum in one of the school’s old classrooms. That modest beginning sparked something bigger than anyone could have imagined.
A new home, A bigger story
Fast forward to 2016. When the original building was demolished to make room for Cornerstone Academy and the Academy of Choice, the district made a pivotal decision: to save the original library. That two-story space became the museum’s permanent home. No longer just a tribute to one high school, the museum grew into a place that tells the broader story of the Spring Branch community.
Today, visitors can step inside and see a replica of St. Peter United Church, founded in 1848 as one of the first churches in Harris County, or admire the retired Chris Gilbert Trophy, once awarded to SBISD football champions. These exhibits remind us that our schools have always been deeply connected to the families and traditions of our area.
A labor of love
The museum is guided by the Spring Branch ISD Alumni Foundation, an all-volunteer group of graduates who believe that remembering our past gives meaning to our future. Sherry Roberts Williams, Class of 1974, now oversees the museum. “My connection runs deep,” she shared. “My parents, uncles, and even my high-school sweetheart—now my husband—all graduated from Spring Branch High School. This history isn’t just in the building; it’s in our families.”
The foundation doesn’t just preserve history. It also provides scholarships for SBISD students, ensuring the next generation benefits from the same sense of pride and opportunity that earlier students enjoyed.
Looking ahead
The museum is preparing for its next chapter with a planned expansion that will honor all six high schools in the district. A new SBISD Notable Alumni section will showcase the achievements of graduates such as Roger Clemens (Spring Woods High), General Mark Kelly (Spring Branch High), and Cory Morrow (Memorial High). These stories of success across sports, public service, the arts, and business are designed to inspire today’s students to dream big.
Plans are also underway to partner with junior high schools by weaving museum visits into Texas History lessons, offering young people an immersive experience of local heritage.
An invitation to you
The museum has always been more than a collection of trophies and photographs, it's a gathering place for memory, pride, and community. Annual events like the fall car show and open house draw crowds from across Spring Branch, and the coming expansion will only deepen those connections.
To alumni and senior citizens especially, this museum is your story. It holds the echoes of Friday night football, the laughter of drill teams, the quiet hum of classrooms, and the voices of teachers who shaped generations. Visiting is more than nostalgia it’s a way to share our community’s history with children and grandchildren, ensuring the legacy of Spring Branch continues to inspire.
To learn more, visit www.springbranchbears.com.
Remembering Della Sivley Mousner, Class of 1953
Long before the museum had a permanent home, it had a heartbeat and her name was Della Sivley Mousner. A member of the Class of 1953, Della was the museum’s original curator when it opened in 1990 and was one of the first alumni to collect the school’s treasured memorabilia. Her dedication and love for Spring Branch High School set the foundation for everything that followed. In 2016, the school district officially named the space the Della Sivley Mousner Museum in her honor. Even as her health declined, Della remained committed, entrusting stewardship of the museum to fellow alumna Sherry Roberts Williams in 2022. Della passed away in July 2025, but her legacy continues to shape the heart and soul of the museum she built.
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