The Brown County Museum of History is continuing to implement plans to enhance their exhibits and displays to better tell the story of Brown County. Currently, the museum is working on an improved Camp Bowie exhibit to show the impact that World War II and the 36th Division had on the area.
“Their efforts changed the course of World War II, and with that, the world itself,” said museum board president Beverly Norris. “An exciting recent donation of early photos of the camp shows scenes that we have never seen before.”
Norris said that many of the new additions in this collection include candid shots from the early days of Camp Bowie.
“They include photos of the Iowa National Guard that trained here, which was one of the last mounted cavalry units in the U.S.,” Norris said. “These photos show informal scenes of the men and their horses while Camp Bowie was being built.”
Norris said that the museum received another recent donation that will further enhance the upcoming Camp Bowie exhibit.
“Recently received is the donation of photos, newspaper clippings, and the Purple Heart medal of Louis Kirksey of the 36th Division,” Norris said. “This generous donation will make a wonderful addition to the Camp Bowie exhibit because it tells the story of real people, not just facts in a history book.”
Kirksey was part of the 36th Division in Camp Bowie during part of the war and later moved to Brownwood.
The museum is currently in the planning stages of the new Camp Bowie exhibit as they work toward making improvements to their offerings.
“If anyone had been thinking of donating items, this would be a wonderful time as plans for displays are being structured,” Norris said.
The museum also recently received a donation of old west memorabilia including an extensive collection of branding irons from Les and Marilyn Beasley of Brownwood.
The museum is also planning to add new law enforcement history displays and the creation of a forensics room, along with several other ideas.
“The museum welcomes donations of items from pioneer Brown County, turn-of-the 20th century life, law enforcement, and Camp Bowie,” Norris said.
The Brown County Museum has experienced increased traffic recently with the opening of their new “Kid’s Zone” in the museum annex, according to Norris.
“We are experiencing a wonderful increase in visitors, between 60 and 70 per week since the ‘Kid’s Zone’ has opened,” Norris said.
Norris said that they are actively seeking volunteers at the museum to help with these upcoming projects. Contact Beverly Norris at 325-643-1665 for more information about volunteer opportunities or the donation of items.
The Brown County Museum of History is open 3 days per week – Thursday and Friday from 10 am – 2 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and is located at 212 N. Broadway in Brownwood.
Pictured above are items donated to the museum by the family of Louis Kirksey who served in the 36th Division at Camp Bowie during WWII.
Pictured below: Les & Marilyn Beasley stand with their recent donation of branding irons.
