Last updated: 7/20/2015
Lubbock, Texas
Street Address
1121 Canyon Lake Dr.
Lubbock, TX 79408
Mailing Address
PO Box 505
Lubbock, TX 79408

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 PM

Admissions

Self guided tours $5 per person, general admission is $5 per person or $10 for a family of four.

School Tours, reservations needed two weeks in advance $2 per student, call for details 806 744-3786

General Admission: $5
Members: free

Staff

Donald Abbe
phone:
e-mail:
Description
Alton Brazell Exhibit Hall

The Alton Brazell Exhibit Hall contains the museum’s large collection of historic farming artifacts. From restored antique tractors to harvesting equipment, highlights include and interactive Blacksmith Shop, a history of cotton ginning exhibit, and the largest display of pedal tractors in the United States.

Outdoor Exhibts

A real working pivot irrigation system and a historic 1930's farmstead can be found among the tractors and machines showcased in our outdoor exhibits.

Central Exhibit Hall

The Central Exhibit hall features the Crops: Harvesting the Facts exhibit about the major crops grown in the United States, The Cotton Harvesting Experience, and the Bayer Crop Science Exhibit. These exhibits are interactive with a focus on modern agriculture, its science and practices.

Farm Stories

Growing up on a farm is a unique experience. We would like for you to share your comical, fun, inspiring stories of farm life with us. We know that no matter how many signs we put on the walls of the museum; there are millions more stories that could be told. We want to include as many “Voices from the Farm,” as possible, as a part of the Bayer Museum of Agriculture. If you would like to share your story, please use our contact form or email us.

Since the beginning, volunteers have been at the heart of our museum. While we have wonderful exhibits, many visitors will tell you that their interactions with our volunteers is the highlight of their tour. From helping lead school children to restoring equipment and from grant writing to data entry, there is spot for everyone that is willing to donate a few hours of their time and expertise.

Mission

Our mission is to preserve the history of, tell the story of and instill pride in American Agriculture and values.

We are developing a first-class museum facility that teaches our community the importance of agriculture in our every day lives. This is done through a growing list of interactive exhibits where museum visitors can see, hear and experience life on the farm.

History
Formerly the American Museum of Agriculture

On April 13, 2012, the American Museum of Agriculture opened the doors of its new facility, the Alton Brazell Exhibit Hall, at 1121 Canyon Lake Drive. Over forty years ago, a handful of Lubbock civic leaders, including Alton Brazell, recognized the region’s agricultural heritage was slipping away. In 1969, the Lubbock County Commissioners’ Court gave Brazell the authority to begin collecting machinery that was a part of the technical transformation that took place on South Plains’ farms. The tractors, combines, plows, drills and thousands of other farm-related artifacts became a part of the Lubbock County Historical Collection.

In 2001, a non-profit group was organized to assume responsibility of and administration of the Lubbock County Historical Collection and incorporated as the American Museum of Agriculture. In 2003, the museum finalized contract agreements with the City of Lubbock to lease a beautiful 24.87-acre tract on the east side of downtown adjacent to Mackenzie Park. This prime site afforded ample space for expansion and a stunning view of the downtown skyline. The site allows the museum to interpret and showcase its tremendous collection in both outdoor and indoor settings and provides for the development of historic farm structures.

In 2008, the museum finalized contract agreements with the City of Lubbock by meeting and exceeding the City’s goal of raising $1 million toward the building project. The City granted the Museum a 50-year lease on the land with a 49-year option to renew. In 2009, MWM Architects of Lubbock were contracted to develop a master plan, site plan and building plan for the Museum’s new facility. In April of 2011 Lee Lewis Construction broke ground on Phase I of the new facility. Phase II, which includes the main exhibit hall, Plains Cotton Growers Conference Center, a catering kitchen and outdoor patio, was completed in April of 2014. The conference center has been a popular and beautiful venue for local civic groups, conventions, weddings and other gatherings, hosting over 25,000 people since opening.

The museum continues to evolve and serves as a living memorial to the thousands of farm families that were pioneers in agriculture. Lubbock County, The City of Lubbock and the people that live on the South Plains owe a tremendous debt to agriculture. It was primarily agriculture that transformed Lubbock from a tiny ranch trade village to a thriving metropolis of more than 230,000 people. It was agriculture that made Lubbock and the surrounding counties the leading region for cotton production in the nation.

Services
General Store

Our General Store, named after Grace Hurst, will make you feel nostalgic for old time things you remember at you grandmother’s house. From Colonial Tin Works we offer wax warmers in several styles of yesteryear. With wax melt choices like mulled Cider, Fresh Oranges, Vanilla Bean and all the favorite fragrances, to keep you house or business smelling fragrant. We even carry vintage totes, with pockets, to carry your laptop and essentials.

For the farmers in your life, we have John Deere caps in toddler, youth and adult sizes. Several styles are available for children and adults. We offer John Deere toy tractors, combines, coloring books and children’s CDs.

The store offers a wide variety of books from informational, about several brands of tractors to Tractor Mac storybooks for children. Old Time stories and illustrations by Bob Artley, include memories of a Farm Kitchen and several other favorites. Unique cookbooks including one from the original residents of the Ropesville Resettlement Project, make interesting gifts for friends or loved ones. And museum T-shirts, we have plenty of those in all sizes to pick from as well. Stop by and shop for that special gift!

Rentals

The PLAINS COTTON GROWERS CONFERENCE CENTER is available for rental for your special occasion, be it business or personal. You may browse our rental rates by clicking on the link below.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Oregon Museum Association 2024 Conference

September 8, 2024 - September 10, 2025

North Bend, Oregon

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

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