08-05-2025
Archer County Jail dig sparks interest and donations for museum
ARCHER COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — From rusting cells to buried treasures, one Archer County landmark is the focus of a unique dig this week.
This week, archeologists, students, and volunteers are getting their hands dirty at the old Archer County jail to uncover not just artifacts but awareness and donations to help restore the site into a museum that celebrates the region's rich past.
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The Archer County Museum and Arts Center is hosting a four-day archeological dig at the old county jail. Archeologists, volunteers, and locals are working side by side not just to preserve the past, but to fund the future.
The jail, which dates back to the early 1900s, has housed over 8,000 inmates, but after its closure in 1974, it has sat empty for decades.
Archeologist, Jessie Otis Dalton hopes that the weeklong event will not only reveal hidden artifacts but also help spark interest and donations to restore and reopen the building as a museum and tourist attraction.
'We think it is pretty important to protect historical sites because they don't belong to one person, they belong to everyone. This is embedded in the collective memory of Texas citizens, and we love our Texas history. This is it in action right now,' Dalton said.
The dig wraps up Saturday, May 10, when the public is invited to come to dig and tour the jail, followed by a public banquet, live music, and artifact presentation, offering locals a firsthand look at what's been found.
If you'd like more information or would like to donate contact them at (208) 301-7757.
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