21-03-2025
Museum in downtown Wichita Falls celebrates 25th anniversary
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)— A local museum is celebrating 25 years of telling the stories of the Wichita Falls area.
Since 2000, the Museum of North Texas History has told stories of Wichita Falls' past. Though he's only been around for less than a year of the museum's extensive history, executive director Jeremy Davis feels he's built a special connection to the city and its history.
'I'm a huge history nerd, so for me, this is one of the highlights of my hob, is learning the different figures, the different people, the different events that have happened throughout this community's past,' Davis said.'
The museum got its start with a select few founders, and among them, was Byrle Graham. As one of the museum's founders and long-time board members, he has seen it grow from humble beginnings to still-growing present. At the museum's anniversary celebration, he was honored as a board member emeritus for his dedicated work to the museum's mission.
'It's interesting. I'm kind of proud of myself and proud to help the county, you know, and to be a part of it and part of the archives, and I mean, the museum,' Graham said.
Mayor Tim Short declared the day, Museum of North Texas History Day, honoring all the museum has done. After 25 years, the community continues to stay involved with the museum, bringing new pieces to the museum.
'Ribbons, medals all of those things,' Davis said. 'And they're like this is all we know about this, what can you tell us? And we were able to dive in and tell them about their family member and then also incorporate that into the collection.'
Among the museum's most well-known displays is the Nat's Hats collection. Cowboy hats from all over Texoma line the museum walls. For Graham though, it's the new pieces that excite him the most.
'Every time I come in, I like to see some difference still,' Graham said. 'It's all changed, making changes, you know. The ones who are doing it now are doing a very good job.'
The Museum of North Texas History hopes to continue educating Wichitans on their past so they can better prepare for their future.
The museum will continue celebrating its 25th anniversary, and on Thursday, March 21st, all museum admissions will be free.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
