tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37666957530160106082024-02-19T00:23:12.401-06:00Tales from the VaultUpdates from The Williamson Museum, located in the Farmers State Bank Building on the historic downtown Courthouse Square in Georgetown, Texas.The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-60184627875184426522013-11-20T09:58:00.001-06:002013-11-20T09:58:17.712-06:00Three-Legged Willie Statue Arriving Soon!The museum is extremely excited about a big unveiling that will happen at 4pm at Lighting of the Square on November 29th... we will finally have our Three-Legged Willie life-size bronze statue! Yes, the concrete is being laid for Robert McAlpin Williamson, our county's namesake and it has been a long time coming. A huge thanks to Lucas Adams, who designed the statue, carved the actual size model, which the foundry then used to make a cast to pour the bronze into. The process began last year with discussions and design, and he will be finished this week!<br />
<br />
Check out the mock-up of how Three-Legged Willie will look- isn't it a wonderful photo op? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1463246_10152129421013714_324104577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1463246_10152129421013714_324104577_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-8402901484914367652013-04-23T10:25:00.002-05:002013-04-23T10:25:15.476-05:00So Much to Do, So Little Time!Hello! We've been very busy the past few months and the blog has suffered, but we're back with a bang and a lot going on in the upcoming weeks.<br />
<br />
First off, this Saturday, April 27th is part of Red Poppy Festival. We will have wonderful living history volunteers representing the museum in the Red Poppy Parade- so come on out to hear the Voices from the Past. The parade starts at 10:00, the museum will open after it is finished and stay open late!<br />
<br />
After that excitement, Alicea Jones, author of <i>Genuinely Georgetown</i>, will be selling and signing books outside the museum from 11 am to 7 pm. <a href="http://www.wilco.org/portals/10/giftShop/Coupon-for-Genuinely-Georgetown-640x300-v1.jpg">Click here for a 10% off coupon!</a> Part of the proceeds will be donated to the museum.<br />
<br />
The following week is exciting as well- Pioneer Days will be out at Old Settler's Park in Round Rock (near the Dell Diamond). Join us from 10 am to 3 pm for candle dipping, pioneer games, corn husk doll making, and much more!<br />
<br />
This is also the final week to see the<i> Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker Trails Exhibit</i>, so stop by while you can.<br />
<br />
At the end of May, <i>WWII Comes to Williamson County</i> will be opening- and I will be back with updates on construction progress in the next few weeks! The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-7280214332390363852013-02-12T13:24:00.001-06:002013-02-12T13:24:31.860-06:00An Appeal and EventsWe are in full swing of planning the WWII exhibit for the museum. The exhibit will open in May of this year. So far, we've had a wonderful response from people wishing to share stories, photographs, and objects. One area where we are lacking is the homefront. We are especially interested in collecting stories and objects from people who lived in Williamson County during WWII and experienced life in our area that is so indicative of life across the country at that time. Please spread the word!<br />
<br />
This week at the museum:<br />
<br />
Wednesday 13th at 11:30 am: Lunch and Learn program presented by Georgetown Heritage Society. Our own Bob Payne and Mickie Ross will be speaking, so please go out and support this great group and these great people.<br />
<br />
Wednesday 13th at 6:30 pm: Come on down to Wildfire's backroom for the monthly Salon series. This month Jessie Carson and Ella Morisson will be speaking about Round Rock Black History.<br />
<br />
Finally, come out to the museum to see our Artifact of the Month- it's sure to bring out the romantic in you this Valentine's week! <br />
<br />
Hope to see you around the museum!The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-61041252419173315442013-01-02T19:42:00.004-06:002013-01-02T19:42:58.125-06:00Unveiling Artifact of the MonthHappy New Year!<br />
<br />
This month we kick off our Artifact of the Month exhibit. Each First Friday we will unveil a new artifact from the permanent collection. The goal is to expose lesser seen, but interesting and relevant, objects that give us an idea of life and culture in Williamson County.<br />
<br />
We also hope that people will be encouraged to adopt artifacts to support preservation and donate objects to expand our collections. We're also always on the look out for collections volunteers to help catalog these objects, too! Contact me for more information if you're interested (aevans@williamsonmuseum.org).<br />
<br />
To celebrate the New Year, we'll first take a step back in time. The first Artifact of the Month is a <span class="userContent">beautiful, 1875 Geister clock created by Welch, Spring and
Company. The clock required winding every eight days to continue
ticking. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Stop by this First Friday, January 4th, from 6 pm to 8 pm to check out the clock, and works by the Sun City Visual Arts Club.</span><br />
<br />
It has been a collaborative effort to make this possible. I really appreciate all the work of Denise, one of our volunteers who searched through our database to help us identify interesting artifacts. My thanks to everyone else who has made this possible. 2013, here we come!The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-70631488233978276702012-12-14T11:22:00.000-06:002012-12-14T11:22:31.731-06:00Holiday Breaks and OpeningsAlas, the holidays are here. The museum will be closed the week of December 23 through January 1 to allow staff some time to rest.<br />
<br />
We will be open again on January 2. Be sure to come in on First Friday, January 4 to check out the artwork featured in the museum for a Celebration of the Arts!The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-85785290762218076062012-12-02T19:42:00.002-06:002012-12-11T09:59:36.854-06:00Holiday Events and Activities!<table><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top">Thanks to everyone who came out to the Night Before the Stroll and Cocoa with Cowboys! We had a great crowd and lots of fun!</td><td valign="top"><br /></td><td valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><table><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><br />
This week will also be busy for the museum, we hope to see you around!<br />
<br />
<b>Friday December 7th:</b><br />
<br />
Georgetown: Join us at the <a href="http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/">museum</a>
for First Friday. All of the shops on the square will be open late, we
will be serving light refreshments, and the Sun City Dulcimers will be
performing for your enjoyment.<br />
We will be open additional hours from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.<br />
<br />
Round Rock: If you are in the Round Rock area, we are pleased to announce the museum will participate in <a href="http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/home/index.asp?page=634">Christmas Family Night</a> downtown on Main Street. We will have hands on activities making Swedish Dala horse ornaments in front of the Palm House.<br />
It all starts at 6:30!<br />
<br />
While you're downtown in Round Rock, also check out the photo exhibit celebrating Round<br />
Rock's upcoming 100th Anniversary at the Round Rock Public Library. The exhibit features<br />
photographs from the Williamson Museum collection and explores Round Rock history.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday December 8th:</b><br />
<br />
Back at the museum we will have our monthly Hands On History from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.<br />
This month, we will be making holiday light necklaces and garland. <br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-46886214078742038072012-11-30T22:11:00.001-06:002012-11-30T22:14:32.758-06:00The Georgetown Stroll<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;"><b>The Georgetown Stroll takes place on December 1, 2012. We will be open after the parade, with hands on activities for the kids.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;"><b>Plus, don't miss <i>Cocoa with Cowboys</i> from 6 - 8 pm <br />
in front of the museum. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies! We hope to see you there. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;"><b>You can also check out our new Vintage Toys exhibit in time for the holidays! Meet 'Maggie', a 100+ year old handmade doll, and see crayons, pull toys, and other ephemera from our collections.</b></span>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-58320295525549607232012-11-21T21:40:00.001-06:002012-11-21T21:40:16.180-06:00Lighting of the Square<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/">museum</a> will open at noon to share our new vintage toy exhibit case. Bring the family by to see the toys and play with a few things from your past as well!<br /> <br /> Then, the Lighting of the Square festivities begin at 5:30. You won't want to miss this - there are more lights this year than ever before, turning our historic square into a fairy-tale wonderland.<br /><br />We too have been busy decorating our historic building front in preparations for the People's Choice Holiday Light Contest. We want your vote! <br /><br />Then, come back by the museum afterwards for the kids to make their own paper lights garland to decorate your home.<br /><br />We will join the other shops in being open until 8 pm for you to enjoy the magic of the evening.<br /><br />There will also be photos with Santa in the courthouse to benefit Brown Santa and a movie on Main Street sponsored by the City of Georgetown. There is truly no place like home for the holidays in Georgetown!! Click here for more information about the <a href="http://news.georgetown.org/2012/11/16/lighting-of-the-square-on-nov-23/">Lighting of the Square.</a>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-87501309488838763002012-10-31T16:28:00.004-05:002012-10-31T16:30:15.479-05:00Round Rock Cemetery Tour<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16px;">Come and
meet "residents" of the Round Rock Cemetery on this Saturday,
November 3. Tour of the historic resting place of Sam Bass, A.W. Grimes, and Barbette! You don't have a tour group and are free to come and go as you please.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16px;">Saturday, November 3, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16px;">Round Rock Cemetery (off Sam Bass Rd)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16px;">4pm to 6pm </span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=round+rock+cemetery&fb=1&gl=us&hq=round+rock+cemetery&hnear=round+rock+cemetery&cid=0,0,12054099617659648206&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=round+rock+cemetery&fb=1&gl=us&hq=round+rock+cemetery&hnear=round+rock+cemetery&cid=0,0,12054099617659648206&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>
<br />
<div class="GFUQPS5BM1B">
</div>
<a class="GFUQPS5BH1B" href="javascript:void(0);" kind="click"></a><br />
<div class="GFUQPS5BM1B">
</div>
<a class="GFUQPS5BH1B" href="javascript:void(0);" kind="click">
</a>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 16px;">Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at this week at the <a href="http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/">museum</a>, via phone (512-943-1670), or at the cemetery. </span> <br />
<br />
Also, join us for First Friday from 6pm to 8pm. Roam around the historic Georgetown Square and stop by to check out some local history and to get your Cemetery Tour tickets!The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-43634604914579856112012-10-25T07:47:00.001-05:002012-10-25T07:48:12.783-05:00A Ghastly Good Time<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;"><b>Thanks to all of the sponsors, volunteers and visitors who made this year's Chisholm Trail Days events a success!<br />
<br />
Now, join us this week for Ghost Tours in downtown Georgetown!<br />
<br />
</b>Hear the ghostly tales of the past, told by costumed docents,
as you travel the historic square on Friday, October 26, and Saturday,
October 27.<br />
<br />
Tours leave the Museum at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30 and 9:00. Tickets cost<br />
$10 per person, $8 for Museum members.<br />
<br />
Limited tickets available, so call today to reserve your spot!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18px;">512-943-1670 or <a href="http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/">www.williamsonmuseum.org</a></span><br />
<br />
The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-43697758527351963242012-10-15T19:23:00.000-05:002012-10-15T19:23:58.142-05:00Chisholm Trail Days Are Here!Chisholm Trail Days have arrived! Our largest annual event will kick off in the style of Denim and Diamonds at our first Cattleman's Ball honoring Jim Schwertner of Capitol Land and Livestock on Friday, October, 19th. You can still purchase tickets <a href="http://www.upthechisholmtrail.org/">here</a> or stop by the museum.<br />
<br />
Festivities continue on Saturday with a Children's Corral full of activities like stick horse rodeos, face painting, and bandana stamping. Also join us for live bands, history re-enactment groups, and western art. The day ends with a longhorn cattle drive up the banks of the San Gabriel and a BBQ Cook-Off Awards. <br />
<br />
Friday October 19- Community Center<br />
Cattleman's Ball- 7 pm to 11 pm <br />
<br />
Saturday October 20- San Gabriel Park<br />
Events start at 9 am- for a full schedule check out <a href="http://www.upthechisholmtrail.org/">www.upthechisholmtrail.org</a><br />
Cattle Drive- 4 pm<br />
<br />
So get on your boots and join us for some cowboy fun! We'll see you there!The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-43169265462810200082012-07-31T11:33:00.004-05:002012-07-31T11:33:54.598-05:00Williamson Museum's Memoir/Lifestory CourseHave you ever wondered what a day-in-the-life of your great-great-grandparents would be like? or what one of their most special memories was? How valuable would such stories be to you now?<br />
<br />
From August 9th - September 13th, The Williamson Museum will be holding a Memoir/Life-story preservation course. Compose your own history for your future generations! Put your past on paper and ensure that your life story is available for your grand-children's curiosity. Let your life enlighten the future through historical documentation.<br />
<br />
-No writing skill is needed. This is about stories, not writing skills.<br />
-We teach you how to: get started and organized with your work, prompt your memories and create your story collection.<br />
-We provide a FUN, supportive environment.<br />
<br />
Instructor: Beverly Scott--former teacher and corporate trainer, historian and public speaker.<br />
<br />
Registration is $75 for museum members, and $95 for non-members<br />
<br />
Thursdays August 9 - Sept. 13, 10-12 noon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://williamsonmuseum.org/">http://williamsonmuseum.org/</a>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-2345245965489318892012-07-31T11:16:00.002-05:002012-07-31T11:18:48.871-05:00Macy's Shop For a Cause!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQQpWyngsk7s9vO6cxRPkvzM8Hy1hcU5UzQu10O2AZsVhpPpFJYar-paGeuEgodktY94j4EMn6SXhYPMUSX2_vAniG-hQKiUBQfilUsNVuDQGG-l-Nk8sW1krhtio1FyG0LN-Jqrh_H8/s1600/Shop%2520for%2520a%2520cause%2520logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQQpWyngsk7s9vO6cxRPkvzM8Hy1hcU5UzQu10O2AZsVhpPpFJYar-paGeuEgodktY94j4EMn6SXhYPMUSX2_vAniG-hQKiUBQfilUsNVuDQGG-l-Nk8sW1krhtio1FyG0LN-Jqrh_H8/s200/Shop%2520for%2520a%2520cause%2520logo.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: left;">On Saturday August 25th Macy's will be hosting its annual Shop for a Cause. For only $5, you are now able to pick up a special shopping pass at the Williamson Museum. This pass will be redeemable for 25% off all regular, sale and clearance items, and 10% off furniture, mattresses, electronics and rugs. All customers with a special shopping pass will also be eligible for a $500 gift card.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">All funds raised through sales of the passes will go directly to the Museum, or any participating charitable organization! Stop by the Williamson Museum today and get your pass before they're gone!</span></span>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-50483770488896088502012-07-17T11:57:00.000-05:002012-07-17T11:57:13.765-05:00Learning about the Spanish Conquistadors exploring Texan lands, and forging our own coat of arms!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvH5txO5xwGBW3dKlTzkBdsSwyEzth3gHUYEa6yWteb_SkhrTh-mykQxQLsOOpFFz9OllRharf-JNz9QUQxrk5YmGP33w-woGS1qnrxDsLemVQLTtw46TxuIEKkUcv8enwP-u-Qbgoa0/s1600/coatarms.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvH5txO5xwGBW3dKlTzkBdsSwyEzth3gHUYEa6yWteb_SkhrTh-mykQxQLsOOpFFz9OllRharf-JNz9QUQxrk5YmGP33w-woGS1qnrxDsLemVQLTtw46TxuIEKkUcv8enwP-u-Qbgoa0/s320/coatarms.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzxHoDB6IBnluMrxUcLtUt0WpSQMyHVzwHNlMHZ5XK0J0fb-gloIr39CfSqudJmRedBiOl0uXtZXAHaJ6YewocBLqLEqZ3sEn6ocyUhu5ooXRR2_ba5V3bcwO5FuCzeCw811KeNoNjX4/s1600/3muskateers.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzxHoDB6IBnluMrxUcLtUt0WpSQMyHVzwHNlMHZ5XK0J0fb-gloIr39CfSqudJmRedBiOl0uXtZXAHaJ6YewocBLqLEqZ3sEn6ocyUhu5ooXRR2_ba5V3bcwO5FuCzeCw811KeNoNjX4/s320/3muskateers.jpg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Garrett, Jace and Ralston: Brothers in ArmsThe Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-13098597495904645112012-07-06T10:31:00.000-05:002012-07-06T10:31:25.542-05:00<br />
The Williamson Museum Membership Drive:<br />
<br />
The Williamson Museum, the preservers and caretakers of our local<br />
history, is a non-profit organization that relies on memberships to<br />
sustain its communal outreach. We need you--anyone who has interest in<br />
preserving our cultural heritage should consider joining us!<br />
<br />
The Williamson Museum and its members are a small yet dedicated team<br />
of history enthusiasts all working together to preserve and understand<br />
the genealogy of our home. Our interests pertain specifically to the<br />
history of Williamson County, and we strive to preserve and exhibit<br />
knowledge and items relating the culture of the entire county. With<br />
the strong support of our members, we are able to hold and participate<br />
in a number of events across the county to promote our shared history<br />
and to cultivate interest in our youth.<br />
<br />
The museum provides insight and develops exhibits historical<br />
information based of first-hand sources and experiences of people who<br />
represent how the county has had its impact on the nation, and the<br />
world. We collect stories as much as artifacts, and dedicate ourselves<br />
to educate, entertain, and enlighten our community.<br />
<br />
Thanks to our members' contributions, the museum has been able to<br />
serve nearly 10,000 students in the county's schools as well as<br />
welcome more than 12,000 visitors to the museum free of charge. We<br />
have also been able to provide free public events--Chisholm Trail<br />
Days, Pioneer Days, and Archaeology Day--as well as provide traveling<br />
exhibits throughout the county.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/GetInvolved/tabid/2570/language/en-US/Default.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.williamsonmuseum.<wbr></wbr>org/GetInvolved/tabid/2570/<wbr></wbr>language/en-US/Default.aspx</a>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-74322804273021269792011-04-21T17:47:00.000-05:002011-04-21T17:47:03.524-05:00I Love Williamson County: Pioneer Day Poster ContestStudents from Williamson County were invited to submit an artistic interpretation of what makes Williamson county special. This contest is to honor pioneers of the area who created the wonderful culture we have today. The exhibit will be up for 6 months and you can come check it out for the first time during First Friday in May from 6-8pm. See our website for more information on Pioneer Day as well!<br />
<br />
Miria IsbellThe Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-63955815292907511812011-04-19T12:54:00.000-05:002011-04-19T12:54:13.523-05:00New At The Museum StoreWe have two new great items at The Williamson Museum Store. The "just off the press" <u>Historic Homes of Georgetown</u> has arrived and is already a big hit. For something a little different we are now selling a local product, Today's Farm Freeze-Dried Fruit Snack from Justus Foods Inc.<br />
<br />
This week we will be stocking some new wood toys and some old fashioned candy.<br />
<br />
Hope you stop in and use your membership discount to buy some of our new products. If you are not members we would love to have you join and you can also take advantage of discounts at the store.<br />
<br />
Jim Ross<br />
Visitor Services CoordinatorThe Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-23152522717803271412011-04-07T17:01:00.000-05:002011-04-07T17:01:41.164-05:00Behind the ScenesIf you've ever wondered how much work it takes to put up a new exhibit at the Williamson Museum, we'll tell you- it's a lot!! This past January we opened our newest exhibit <em><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A Cabinet of Curiosities</span></em>, and due to funding, the staff got to do must of the 'grunt work'. They never tell you in Museum School that you'll need to learn how to properly apply gold stenciling to a wall, or how to patch holes, tape off an area with painters tape, properly prime, paint, stain, wood grain, or, or... I digress... <br />
I've included a few pictures for your enjoyment, and in order to see the finished product- come to the museum!!! You'll be just as pleased with the new exhibit as we are! ENJOY. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPjn6w3QCFY1dTQVKVARgWXD6r9qEZS3aYxh_mCdDuEfnTC10do_nBCwPOzqoYtWAoPsK1nSQPfPr7_fPEVsxi07hs-E6Ekw_k3-IzLlRjClEX2HFVLIOKKYhKKQ-3tsOxIT-FRtKx3M/s1600/100_6200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPjn6w3QCFY1dTQVKVARgWXD6r9qEZS3aYxh_mCdDuEfnTC10do_nBCwPOzqoYtWAoPsK1nSQPfPr7_fPEVsxi07hs-E6Ekw_k3-IzLlRjClEX2HFVLIOKKYhKKQ-3tsOxIT-FRtKx3M/s200/100_6200.JPG" width="200" /></a></div> <strong>Out with the old and in with the new!</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBT5BcSsXsRH5TuS8eViY3tSV4LkW3AfxOVHyQJhoFlza9wE24exbz2EXwzOTwsW75JQm1K15GWW5W8XMC8gtyKiyDC2lz2S0KeOADjfkL696MBZCT4sAggRZpEc2jNU1lnQUKV4UkBA/s1600/100_6203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBT5BcSsXsRH5TuS8eViY3tSV4LkW3AfxOVHyQJhoFlza9wE24exbz2EXwzOTwsW75JQm1K15GWW5W8XMC8gtyKiyDC2lz2S0KeOADjfkL696MBZCT4sAggRZpEc2jNU1lnQUKV4UkBA/s200/100_6203.JPG" width="200" /></a><strong>scraping tape and pulling off boards- our arms were sore!</strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Before....</span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeEl4cqRu4LaZLmkXQC6ALORbbwBiuwcb8FD7G0HeHtbcXNxcyEnRpOLtgRo2zkp0Ik2L1D33lg9I2YjoxHcOJMtXjtG5BRTGEitkco90vhbdsJEMuijBe7d_kQUCju4z6ShyphenhyphenD7Pvox0/s1600/100_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeEl4cqRu4LaZLmkXQC6ALORbbwBiuwcb8FD7G0HeHtbcXNxcyEnRpOLtgRo2zkp0Ik2L1D33lg9I2YjoxHcOJMtXjtG5BRTGEitkco90vhbdsJEMuijBe7d_kQUCju4z6ShyphenhyphenD7Pvox0/s200/100_6206.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6uMVV3FaBzMHGRqmFQwUMDjQp_FkmYqC72sE6iRqpl0QvFzRLtJ2-4SnAfG5EP4hZnCh_mXOBOI1fz_kkVoEeAAzW0zpHLDlrMl5Q_6SKlX2eYeBI3hVfJ4OwvOGALQWVggM4Y0QiAc/s1600/100_6209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6uMVV3FaBzMHGRqmFQwUMDjQp_FkmYqC72sE6iRqpl0QvFzRLtJ2-4SnAfG5EP4hZnCh_mXOBOI1fz_kkVoEeAAzW0zpHLDlrMl5Q_6SKlX2eYeBI3hVfJ4OwvOGALQWVggM4Y0QiAc/s320/100_6209.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>And AFTER..</strong></span></div>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-53985769634765142872011-04-01T15:03:00.000-05:002011-04-01T15:03:07.884-05:00Spring Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Davis<strong></strong><br />
<strong>How long have you been volunteering with the WM?</strong><br />
Since April 2010<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your primary duties? </strong><br />
Cataloging collections, assisting with educational activities and acting as a docent. <br />
<br />
<strong>How many hours per week do you usually volunteer? </strong><br />
5-8 <br />
<br />
<strong>What type of training did you have?: </strong><br />
Volunteer orientation and docent training <br />
<strong>How do you feel your work helps others? </strong><br />
By becoming more knowledgeable about Williamson county, I am able to transfer that knowledge to both local residents and out-of-town visitors who come to the museum. <br />
<br />
<strong>What you enjoy most about WM? </strong><br />
Working with a group of very professional and dedicated staff and volunteers to accomplish the mission set forth for the success of the museum. <br />
<br />
<strong>What's unique about WM? </strong><br />
I especially like the fact that the volunteer can pick and choose what he wants to do from a wide variety of activities and work as much as he wants within a flexible schedule made possible by procedures developed by museum staff.<br />
<br />
As for the museum itself, I think the most unique thing about it is its location. It is a stone’s throw from the courthouse where so much of Williamson County’s history has been made. And, it is on the town square which allows it to benefit visitation wise from people coming to town on courthouse business, to shop and/or sightsee. Local business benefits from people that come primarily to visit the museum and then finish their trip with a little shopping. <br />
<br />
<strong>Personal information about yourself: </strong><br />
Born and raised in southern Indiana (a native Hoosier). I have a B.S.C.E from Purdue University. Worked in private industry for several small and large consulting engineering firms. Then moved to Texas in 1996 after retirement. I currently live in Sun City with my wife and two cats. We spend summers in Canada and winters in Texas.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Interested in Volunteering? Please contact Celina Aguirre at </span><a href="mailto:caguirre@williamsonmuseum.org"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">caguirre@williamsonmuseum.org</span></a><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> for more information. </span>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-43906348854188081412011-03-25T17:17:00.001-05:002011-03-25T17:18:25.666-05:00Please DO Touch The Artifacts!"Please Do Not Touch" signs are common at museums, and help to protect valuable historical artifacts from being damaged by casual handling. But behind the scenes at The Williamson Museum, our trained collections volunteers DO touch!... wearing protective gloves, of course. Two times a week, volunteers gather at the Museum to catalog artifacts from Williamson County's past. Under the supervision of the Museum Curator, they measure, describe, and assess the condition of assorted objects ranging from love letters to chicken feeders and everything in between. It's a great way for inquisitive volunteers to put their "hands on" history, while also helping The Williamson Museum document its growing collection of artifacts.<br />
<br />
Here is a sampling of some of the approximately 500 artifacts that volunteers and Museum staff cataloged in the month of March:<br />
<ul><li>1941 program from a Georgetown High School production of "Headed for Eden"</li>
<li>Dust pan from Guarantee Electric Company</li>
<li>Instructions for opening a Belford Lumber Company safe</li>
<li>Pullman railcar uniform button</li>
<li>1907 United States "Barber" dime</li>
<li>1920 Liberty Hill High School diploma</li>
<li>Purple Heart awarded posthumously to Duncan S. Hughes for service in World War II</li>
<li>Tellus Company wood burning stove</li>
<li>Minutes from a meeting of a 1960s era Georgetown anti-segregation group</li>
<li>Photographs of workers mounting the goddess Themis statue onto the Williamson County Courthouse dome</li>
</ul><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>If "Do Not Touch" signs leave you feeling a step removed from history, consider becoming a collections volunteer at The Williamson Museum! No experience is necessary, and we'll train you on all the ins and outs of safely handling historical artifacts. Contact the Museum at (512) 943-1670 for more information.</strong></span><br />
<br />
AbbyThe Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-50236709392753268772011-03-17T18:02:00.001-05:002011-03-18T08:58:25.432-05:00Archeology Day is Coming!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Archeology Day is just around the corner and we are working feverishly to make sure it is the most fun event of the year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week I had some dedicated volunteers come to “work day” to help with the preparation for the hands-on stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to have a few new stations this year that will be exciting for the whole family- Caddo Trade Fair, Archeology Matters, a mock pottery dig and so much more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>One of my favorite hands-on activities for this event is making a Native American rattle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is fun and easy, just my type of project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 3 easy steps to making this cool musical instrument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a nature walk or even out to your own backyard and find a good and sturdy y-shaped stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tie a piece of raffia or twine around one arm of the “y”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thread a few beads onto the yarn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tie the other end of the yarn to the other end of the stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make some magical music!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">If this sounds great to you, come join us on March 26th from 10am to 3pm at Berry Springs Park and Preserve at 1801 County Road 152 in Georgetown. Admission is Free!</span><br />
<br />
Miria Isbell</div>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-23342073975185090322011-03-10T12:18:00.000-06:002011-03-10T12:18:27.950-06:00VisitorsOne of the fantastic things about working at The Williamson Museum is you meet people visiting the area for the first time. As an example just this morning we had two visitors from Iowa, two from Minnesota and two from the United Kingdom. <br />
<br />
It is a pleasure to engage our visitors discussing the Williamson Museum, our history, people and how great it is to live in Central Texas. However, the best part for me is listening to the many wonderful compliments about The Williamson Museum. <br />
<br />
Jim RossThe Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-5906675958953648182011-03-03T17:44:00.000-06:002011-03-03T17:44:52.622-06:00Cracking the safe...<span style="font-size: large;">Hooray!, We have opened the <span style="color: blue;">Belford Lumber Company Safe</span>!!</span><br />
We originally acquired the safe when we were contacted in the fall of 2007 by Rachel Osgood from the City of Georgetown, notifying the then director that there was a large safe IN THE CITY DUMP!!! <br />
It was so heavy, it required a crane to lift it out and transport it to a warehouse where it was kept for safekeeping. We estimated the safe weighs OVER 1,000lbs. It was rusted along the front, sides, bottom, and wheels, and we thought that the doors were <u>rusted shut</u>. <br />
Today, the Director and I met with some local locksmiths and professional safe openers along with Virginia Stubbs, the President of the Georgetown Heritage Society to attempt to open the safe again. <br />
<br />
After 1.5 hours of patient attempts at the combinations, our safecracker opened the one door of the safe, and the cheers of happiness rang through the warehouse! <br />
We've included a few photos, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!<br />
<br />
Dana<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPYt5Qi87ZcErsYbVKPMiyxPIzQqJZuklCE5oT2isXFZHVAJBN3PxlxABlOiUxOjoaND_JdjrENvEf8O2_gmTJfwLiC_ZV18qel-lwNUur71DYyAFXN-S_sUuFHS5AaTiJ9lhTmlfUCk/s1600/The+Belford+Safe+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPYt5Qi87ZcErsYbVKPMiyxPIzQqJZuklCE5oT2isXFZHVAJBN3PxlxABlOiUxOjoaND_JdjrENvEf8O2_gmTJfwLiC_ZV18qel-lwNUur71DYyAFXN-S_sUuFHS5AaTiJ9lhTmlfUCk/s200/The+Belford+Safe+020.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqHaFOjyvou0lKzXuaKhwmexoCB85QVumOT6NehGPmzMfjqu5PCRycIf8W8LkH9h0fh5bfAWDISe8ZzFOUSlzAAuKy50rl2GDGdfazbZAWmwZfqOAf0AtVoDU1RJlTPDtFC2_6Cig3Sc/s1600/The+Belford+Safe+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqHaFOjyvou0lKzXuaKhwmexoCB85QVumOT6NehGPmzMfjqu5PCRycIf8W8LkH9h0fh5bfAWDISe8ZzFOUSlzAAuKy50rl2GDGdfazbZAWmwZfqOAf0AtVoDU1RJlTPDtFC2_6Cig3Sc/s200/The+Belford+Safe+058.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXoYPRcD4vsdX_fUBQSKmZvBnEZGPPkxMWAVt0Anj0s5DD0OS7AzFnTfTM8bkr_n8_2mdqiZdOAbCSzqdkH_-MMp9ocbF8YlNe4YIpxPZ0OGMNgTd_YBE3IEmquVg-AC9MbfqRk42idw/s1600/The+Belford+Safe+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXoYPRcD4vsdX_fUBQSKmZvBnEZGPPkxMWAVt0Anj0s5DD0OS7AzFnTfTM8bkr_n8_2mdqiZdOAbCSzqdkH_-MMp9ocbF8YlNe4YIpxPZ0OGMNgTd_YBE3IEmquVg-AC9MbfqRk42idw/s200/The+Belford+Safe+069.JPG" width="200" /></a>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-23981408813110149412011-02-08T16:37:00.001-06:002011-02-08T16:38:46.613-06:00Lets Advocate for MuseumsDo you love The Williamson Museum? Do you love your area Museums? Do you love Museums in General? Then become our advocate. Be our voice.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The American Association of Museums (AAM) invites you to Capitol Hill February 28-March 1 to speak up for museums. After a day of advocacy training, AAM will facilitate individual meetings with each participant's elected members of Congress. Museums Advocacy Day is an opportunity to bring our message of the value of museums to Capitol Hill and to advocate for policy issues that affect the field. Visit www.speakupformuseums.org for more information and for fact sheets with tips and tools for advocacy basics, including the rules of engagement, meeting with elected officials, communicating with legislators, and more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">For those of you sticking closer to home, the Texas Commission on the Arts offers a free <a href="http://www.arts.state.tx.us/toolkit/advocacy/lobbying.asp">Advocacy Tool-Kit</a> online to help you develop a plan for advocacy. In it, you'll find detailed instruction onadvocacy and lobbying basics, stating your case, contacting decision makers, avoiding common mistakes, and complying with nonprofit lobbying laws. The tool-kit also includes examples of key messages, templates for writing decision makers, and sample call-to-action letters. Remember, advocacy should happen at all levels and a great place to start is in your museum's own backyard with your city and county officials.</span><br />
<br />
From the Texas Historical Commission.The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3766695753016010608.post-90088417578393103492011-01-27T11:55:00.000-06:002011-01-27T11:55:24.700-06:00Volunteer Spotlight: Bob Payne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgWxyO4YRrWnFzUQbYzSOdJ2AOjZA0Wv3oQJz16dl3JJoOv6bmAAhpDZAxexj8Q-OMhbeM9pyGNOWi-3Ze151eb2eT2K5ncjx5YMasFreHFbsXUwc48GjWzVH4ekcRYeNkAxXkaVPcug/s1600/Bob+Payne-Civil+War+Cemetery+Tales-May+1+2010+CC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgWxyO4YRrWnFzUQbYzSOdJ2AOjZA0Wv3oQJz16dl3JJoOv6bmAAhpDZAxexj8Q-OMhbeM9pyGNOWi-3Ze151eb2eT2K5ncjx5YMasFreHFbsXUwc48GjWzVH4ekcRYeNkAxXkaVPcug/s320/Bob+Payne-Civil+War+Cemetery+Tales-May+1+2010+CC.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><span style="color: black;"><strong>How long have you been volunteering with the WM? </strong></span><br />
Two years <br />
<br />
<strong>What are your primary duties? </strong><br />
Courthouse Docent/Tour guide<br />
<br />
<strong>How many hours per week do you usually volunteer? </strong><br />
5 to 10 per week, sometimes more, lots more.<br />
<br />
<strong>What type of training did you have?</strong> <br />
I attend all training offered by the Museum. I also have formal training as a briefing officer and public speaker.<br />
<br />
<strong>How do you feel your work helps others? </strong><br />
My orientation is towards history, I enjoy learning about history and teaching others about it. Especially the interesting and amusing elements of history which are not very well known. When people hear me talk about history, they usually smile a lot and that means they retain some of what they heard.<br />
<br />
<strong>What do you enjoy most about WM? </strong><br />
You can learn a lot about the History of Williamson County at the Museum. I also like working with the people who work and volunteer there.<br />
<strong>What's unique about WM? </strong><br />
I know of no other museum that reaches out to school children as much as The Williamson Museum. Also, it is small but is located in a great building in the center of town. <br />
<br />
<strong>Personal information about yourself: </strong><br />
Native Texan, born in Big Spring, and raised on the Gulf Coast. Joined the navy in 1955 and served 25 years on active duty. Stationed all over the world at some very interesting places, I was directly involved in the Cuban Missile crisis at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1963/64 and served with the US Marines in a combat role in Vietnam. Was responsible for building Top Secret Intelligence facilities in Florida, Hawaii, VietNam, and Guam. Was also a briefing officer in Washington, DC.<br />
<br />
In retirement, I volunteer at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Temple, am active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, (VFW), Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross, and am Editor of the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) newsmagazine CRYPTOLOG. I also sit on the Board of Directors of the NCVA. My hobby is golf, which I play as much as possible.<br />
<br />
Married to Edith Payne, we have a son, Walter, who is in Real Estate in Austin and a daughter, Maria, who lives in Belton with my grandson, Robert.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: red;">Have you ever thought of volunteering at the Museum? It’s not just about giving tours. </span></strong><strong><span style="color: red;">To sign up for February training, contact Celina Aguirre at caguirre@williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670.</span></strong></span>The Williamson Museumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17508178486543485993noreply@blogger.com0