About the Heritage Museum of Big Spring
A Collection of Collections Preserving West Texas Heritage
Incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1970, the Heritage Museum of Big Spring has operated from its location at 510 Scurry for nearly four decades. The museum's mission is to collect and preserve items of cultural and historical significance to Big Spring and West Texas, using those materials for research and education of area citizens. With 13,000 square feet dedicated to exhibits, storage, research areas, and operations, this comprehensive "collection of collections" celebrates the dynamic history of a region where buffalo, Native Americans, and adventurers were once drawn to the town's namesake spring.
The museum's extensive collections range from Native American life through the oil discovery era, featuring pioneer and Indian artifacts, art exhibits, and displays of early West Texas history. Notable highlights include the world's largest collection of Texas Longhorn steer horns (with one set boasting a 10-foot-6-inch span), an exhibit of 46 rare and unusual phonographs from the late 1800s to 1920 (unique to the Southwest), and an impressive doll and toy collection. Part of the museum's permanent exhibitions are housed in the historical home of Dora Roberts, a Howard County pioneer.
Permanent exhibit areas include the Alon USA Phonographs gallery, Dolls and Children's area, Western area with theater, Settles area, Adrian Randal Exhibit, Medical Exhibit, T&P Railroad Exhibit, and Patricia McCormick Exhibit. Visitors can explore collections of period clothing and hats, iconic local items, old west rifles and guns, and artifacts documenting the petroleum industry's impact on the region. The museum serves as a vital repository for understanding how Howard County transformed from frontier territory to a thriving West Texas community.
Plan Your Visit
The Heritage Museum is located at 510 Scurry Street in Big Spring. The museum also maintains the Potton House, a historical house on the National Register of Historic Places, located five blocks north of the main museum. With 300 members and a dedicated staff including a director and curator, the museum serves as a vital community resource. The grounds feature the Gerald-Marie Wallace Pavilion and outdoor patio available for events. For hours, admission, and information about programs, call (432) 267-8255 or visit bigspringtxhistorymuseum.com.
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