|
|
|
|
The Victoria College. Full-time salaried position with benefits available...
DISTRICT "Champions for Community Wellness" has the following positions...
Wales holds degrees in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture from Texas A&M University in College Station.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment for individuals and groups. Call the museum at 361-526-5555 or 361-646-9508.
Q: How did you get involved with the museum?
A: I’ve been involved with the museum and the history of Refugio since I was little. It’s always been interesting. My grandmother was the county treasurer here from 1916 to 1972, when she passed away. She was elected to office before women had the right to vote. She was always involved with history so that was kind of my start. Although my mother’s mother came in the late 1800’s we are still considered newcomers to Refugio.
After Maxine Riley retired, she was a Godsend to us while she was here, we were looking for somebody to fill the position which is funded by the county, they asked for applicants. I submitted my name and resume and got the job. I volunteered here on a regular basis. I am also president of the Refugio County Historical Society.
Maxine had been with museum for 18 years, most of that was volunteer time, though she was paid a small salary by the county. She retired, but she is still very active with the museum.
Q: When did the museum first open?
A: June 30, 1983. In fact, we’re getting ready for the 25th anniversary.
Q: What is must-see at the museum?
A: There are a couple of things that are a must-see, such as the old mission bell from the last mission built by the Spanish here. We also have small, mock-up buildings of what the town originally looked like. It’s folk art.
Q: What’s the oldest artifact on display?
A: We have a fossil from a woolly mammoth that was dug up in Austwell.
Q: Where are you focusing your efforts?
A: It is overwhelming because we have all of these ideas. Right now I’m trying to locate everything, maybe move some exhibits and make some changes to current exhibits. We’re getting two new exhibits – the old Tivoli jail and an example of an old camp house that was located out on one of the ranches that the cowboys would have actually slept in while they were out on the range. Eventually, I would love someone to give us a pot of money so we can do a new addition because there is a lot more information and a lot more displays we would like to do, but we are out of space. We have a number of wonderful artists who grew up here and we would love to get exhibits of their work and actually have it displayed.
Q: What are the challenges the museum is facing?
A: One of the biggest challenges is getting people back to the museum to look at the history. We need to do something exciting to get people to come back to the museum. We also need more volunteers involved in the museum. (We would) love to do an expansion to get more objects on display for people to come in and see what Refugio is really about. Like everywhere money is a challenge. Right now the county does help us out.
Q: What are some of the upcoming events you have planned?
A: Thursday, May 8, we are holding a meet and greet for new directors of the museum, Rosemary Kelley and myself; June 14 and 15, the Back Thru Time celebration; and June 28, we are going to have a big dinner with an auction, live music, and a vintage fashion show. We’re hoping to have a real nice event. It will be held at city hall in their ballroom upstairs. It is a historic place, built in 1936 as one of the Works project during The Depression. Tickets are $25.
Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com.