Last updated: 1/13/2011
Belton, Texas
Street Address
201 N. MainBelton, TX 76513
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1381Belton, TX 76513
phone: 254-933-5243
fax: 254-933-5756
e-mail: museum@co.bell.tx.us
web: www.bellcountytx.com/Museum

Admissions

No Charge

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Stephanie Turnham
phone: 254-933-5243
Amanda Thompson Dyer
phone: 254-933-5243
e-mail:
Adrienne Lilley
phone: 254-933-5741
e-mail:
Candice Thaler
phone: 254-933-5243
History

The Bell County Museum is housed in the restored Carnegie Library building, built in 1904-05. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum opened to the public in 1991 and is dedicated to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Bell County region, focusing on the first 100 years (1850-1950) of the county.

Artifact Collections

Approximately 6,533 artifacts dealing with the material culture of the Bell County region, with emphasis on artifacts from 1850-1950. Of special interest is the Miriam A. Ferguson collection. Mrs. Ferguson (1875-1961), a Bell County native, was the first woman governor of the state of Texas. The collection was acquired in 1991. Also, the T.M. Neal Moustache Cup Collection of over 200 cups and saucers may be one of the largest in Texas.

Research Collections

Collections include the Ferguson Forum, a newspaper which James A. Ferguson published to support his political views. Other archival materials relate to Bell County history. These are made available to researchers by appointment.

Educational Programs

The museum offers a variety of educational programs. Four children's "Funshops" on various aspects of the area's history are held per year . Guided tours are available by appointment and are held frequently. Docent workshops are held twice a year. The museum currently has eight new exhibits per year with a Docent Guide provided for each exhibit.

The museum has also initiated a series of traveling trunks available for check-out to area schools. Adult workshops held regularly.

Publications

Bimonthly newsletter, Museum Musings, and an informal annual report every January.

Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Ohio Museums Association 2024 Conference with AMM

July 24 - August 3, 2024

Columbus, Ohio

South Carolina Federation of Museums 2024 Conference

September 16 - 18, 2024

Laurens, South Carolina

Museums Alaska: 2024 Conference

September 25 - 28, 2024

Fairbanks, Alaska

Florida Association of Museums 2024 Annual Conference & Exposition

October 13 - 16, 2024

Daytona Beach, Florida

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

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