History and Heritage: The Scurry County Museum
Snyder, Texas, and the surrounding area are rich in history and culture. Its hundreds of years of history needed a place to be celebrated, which is in the Scurry County Museum. The museum houses a variety of rotating exhibits and has a collection of artifacts from the area's past. If you ever find yourself in Snyder, Texas, be sure to stop by this awesome museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area.
History of the Scurry County Museum
The Scurry County Museum is not only known for its historical artifacts, but also for its own history. The idea of a museum to preserve and celebrate the history of the area was first conceived by a group of dedicated locals. The group organized the Scurry County Museum Association in 1970 and began fundraising to establish the museum. In 1974, the museum opened its doors at Western Texas College. Fast forward to nearly five decades later, both locals and visitors enjoy visiting the museum to learn more about the area and enjoy the rotating exhibits.
Artifacts
The museum has over 16,000 artifacts housed within its walls. One of its most notable artifacts is J Wright Moore’s Rifle. This rifle is the one used to hunt the notorious white buffalo whose statue is outside of the Scurry County Courthouse. This is just one of seven white buffalo shot in history, which is why this rifle is so significant.
Other artifacts include pieces that show how former Scurry County locals lived, clothing items, textiles, and more. Many artifacts rotate out with temporary exhibits, while others are permanent pieces.
Galleries
The Scurry County Museum currently has four exhibits that cover a range of materials. As mentioned previously, there are a few rotating galleries in the museum. The museum’s association enjoys bringing in fresh artifacts so both seasoned visitors and newcomers will enjoy it.
Lobby Gallery
When you first walk into the Scurry County Museum, you will be welcomed by the Lobby Gallery. This gallery features supplemental artifacts and holds resources for learning about the museum. The walls are decorated with quilts donated by local quiltmakers and pictures from the past.
Scurry Gallery
The Scurry Gallery is a museum that showcases the people who have called Scurry County home. The museum captures what their lives were like, why they came to the area, and what locals do now. This is their signature gallery and features thousands of artifacts. The artifacts include photographs, documents, and personal belongings that tell the stories of the people of Scurry County. The gallery also has a variety of exhibits that focus on different aspects of Scurry County history, such as the oil boom, the railroad, and the Dust Bowl. The Scurry Gallery is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Scurry County.
Texas Gallery
The Scurry County Museum likes to keep things fresh for visitors by rotating its exhibits. The Texas Gallery is one of the museum's largest exhibits and features a variety of artifacts. This exhibit often focuses on specific times in Texas history, notable Texans, or other aspects of the state's rich history. The Texas Gallery is also available to house events in between exhibits.
New: Education Gallery
The Scurry County Museum opened its Education Gallery in June of this year. This is another rotating gallery that highlights local artists. The museum hopes to bring more recognition to the artists and collectors in the area through this new exhibit. The Education Gallery will feature a variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. The museum hopes the Education Gallery will provide a space for people to learn about and support local artists.
Coming Soon: Virtual Gallery
Come Spring, anyone can enjoy the Scurry County Museum no matter where they are located. The association is opening a virtual gallery that will show images, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Keep up with their website for their announcement when it has officially opened.
Events at the Museum
The Scurry County Museum isn't just a repository of artifacts; it hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From lectures and workshops to interactive demonstrations, these events provide a dynamic platform for visitors to engage with history in novel and immersive ways. To stay updated on the latest events and happenings at the museum, be sure to visit their full calendar of events.
The Museum Store
No visit to a museum is complete without bringing a piece of the experience home with you. The Scurry County Museum Store offers a selection of souvenirs, books, and items inspired by the museum's collections. Because the museum is free to enjoy, it’s the perfect way to support the museum's efforts while also owning a tangible reminder of your time spent exploring the exhibits.
When to Visit
Next time you’re in Snyder, set aside some time to visit the Scurry County Museum. With its diverse exhibits, interesting artifacts, and commitment to preserving the past, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to uncover the layers of culture that define Scurry County's identity.
