Brownwood News – The Brown County Museum of History will hold a ribbon cutting and dedication of its new front exterior on Tuesday, August 28 at 11:30 a.m. The building, which houses the majority of the Museum’s collection, will now be known as the Robert H. & Mary S. Blake Center for History Education. “Education is a major focus of the Museum’s mission”, said Wanda Furgason, Museum Director. “Along with tourism—the Museum of History draws many out of town visitors—our role in the community is education through exhibits and programs.”
A donor from out of the area made funds available to renovate the front entrance by making repairs to the building, installing double glass doors, and creating 324 square feet of exterior signage. The donor, who requested to remain anonymous, selected Robert and Mary Sue Blake to be honored because of their long business and personal lives in Brownwood. Mrs. Blake, who survives her husband Bob, just celebrated her 97th birthday. She and her husband came to Brownwood in 1949 and were business owners and active in the community for many years. “The people of Brownwood were so gracious to us when we came here after World War II, and we decided immediately that we would stay and raise our family here. Bob and I both loved supporting and being a part of this town.” Mrs. Blake and family members will attend the ribbon cutting.
Featured on the new signage are photo murals featuring six people from different eras of Brown County History. “It is exciting to have this renovated new exterior”, said board President Dion White. “Portraits of actual people are highlighted, as a reminder that Brown County history is rich with stories of the many amazing people who lived here. And each of these people made an impact far beyond this area and are known outside Brownwood.” Details on each of the six people featured on the façade are exhibited within the Museum of History.
Waldrop Construction and Early Glass & Brownwood Door were involved in the construction phase of the façade project, with ASAP Creative Arts creating and installing the photo mural signage.
The Museum of History includes the newly named Education Building at 209 N. Broadway and the Old Jail across the street. The two buildings together contain approximately 7,000 square feet of exhibit space on Frontier Law Enforcement, Pioneer Life, and World War II Camp Bowie. Also within the building is the ‘Kid’s Zone’, a hands-on activity area for children. The Museum of History is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10-2 and Saturdays from 10-4. Call 325-641-1926 for more information.
