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HISTORY

At the request of the Texas Historical Survey Committee, the Kimble County Historical Commission was organized by County Judge Walter Leamons and the Commissioner's Court  in 1962.  The first officers of KCHC were:  Effie Roy Felps, Chairman; Minnie Riley, Vice-Chairman; Chester Bannowsky, Secretary; and Frederica Wyatt, Reporter.  The first museum opened in 1966 and was housed in the American Legion Hut in downtown Junction. 
Frederica pic_edited.jpg
Thankfully, volunteers were dedicated to keeping the museum  running through  the years and Frederica Burt Wyatt became the Curator and Chairman of  the Board. 

Extensive family files have been retained at her guidance.   She began  writing the weekly column, "Meanderings", in the local  Junction Eagle remembering and tracking  Kimble County history,  as well as being a keynote speaker at historical events locally, the area and state level.   Mrs. Wyatt also is responsible for compiling  the Family Histories of Kimble County Vol. I and Vol.  II.  and  numerous other books and articles.   


We gratefully acknowledge her many years of contributions to Kimble County history preservation.
                     
 As we entered into the new millennium,  the need for expansion became evident.  KCHC board members went before the Commissioners' Court and acquired a resolution to relocate the museum.   After some years of deliberation, the present building, which was the former Kimble Hospital, was donated by the county for that purpose.   The building was extensively renovated and completed in March of 2019.  A grand opening was held with over 500 people in attendance. 

Funding was acquired for this huge project from generous donors by holding fund raisers and by soliciting grants and other gifts.  The museum continues to evolve and hold special historical and community events.  It operates with donations of time and money and with assistance from our county.                                                           
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