Last updated: 1/13/2011
Belton, Texas
Street Address
201 N. Main
Belton, TX 76513
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1381
Belton, TX 76513
phone: 254-933-5243
fax: 254-933-5756
e-mail: museum@co.bell.tx.us
web: www.bellcountytx.com/Museum

Admissions

No Charge

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Stephanie Turnham
phone: 254-933-5243
Amanda Thompson Dyer
phone: 254-933-5243
e-mail:
Adrienne Lilley
phone: 254-933-5741
e-mail:
Candice Thaler
phone: 254-933-5243
History

The Bell County Museum is housed in the restored Carnegie Library building, built in 1904-05. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum opened to the public in 1991 and is dedicated to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Bell County region, focusing on the first 100 years (1850-1950) of the county.

Artifact Collections

Approximately 6,533 artifacts dealing with the material culture of the Bell County region, with emphasis on artifacts from 1850-1950. Of special interest is the Miriam A. Ferguson collection. Mrs. Ferguson (1875-1961), a Bell County native, was the first woman governor of the state of Texas. The collection was acquired in 1991. Also, the T.M. Neal Moustache Cup Collection of over 200 cups and saucers may be one of the largest in Texas.

Research Collections

Collections include the Ferguson Forum, a newspaper which James A. Ferguson published to support his political views. Other archival materials relate to Bell County history. These are made available to researchers by appointment.

Educational Programs

The museum offers a variety of educational programs. Four children's "Funshops" on various aspects of the area's history are held per year . Guided tours are available by appointment and are held frequently. Docent workshops are held twice a year. The museum currently has eight new exhibits per year with a Docent Guide provided for each exhibit.

The museum has also initiated a series of traveling trunks available for check-out to area schools. Adult workshops held regularly.

Publications

Bimonthly newsletter, Museum Musings, and an informal annual report every January.

Exhibitions
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Museum Events
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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