Stationmaster’s House Museum Reopens with New Exhibits

The Stationmaster’s House Museum reopens Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 a.m. with new exhibits. Hansford County’s local history museum has been closed since March of 2020. Last Fall, a new board brought a fresh approach to the museum. The new leadership hopes that the museum is engaging for all ages. The museum features exhibits that will interest history buffs, children, families and students.

The first new exhibit, “Water, Wind and Wilderness” details the story of Hansford County, beginning with Native Americans who thrived here and the coming of the Cator brothers as buffalo hunters. Highlights include a 3-D scale model of Old Hansford and memorabilia from historic Hansford County businesses.

History is often a highlight reel of the exploits of men, and women’s contributions are rarely mentioned. Grit and Grace: The Strength and Elegance of Hansford County Women brings the civilizing grace and persistent grit of our pioneer mothers to the forefront featuring quilts and other handcrafts as well as a collection of more than two dozen hats worn by various Hansford County women through the decades.

“Tracks of Transformation” traces the fortune and misfortune of railways on our local cities. “Palo Duro Reflections” exhibits a collection of art produced by local artists including Gwenfred Lackey, Glen Ayers, Ethel Deakin and Johnny Millican. Museum goers can also experience a one-room schoolhouse in the Palo Duro School exhibit, featuring artifacts from historical schools in Hansford County. The Caboose, moved to the site in 1983, will also be open.

“We could not have done this without the support and hard work of all of our volunteers,” said Dr. Holly Whitaker, Vice President of the museum board. She continues, “The museum board, Hansford County Historical Commissions, and Green Cord service volunteers from Spearman and Gruver high schools worked for months to make our reopening a reality.”