Museum of Regional History (Texarkana)

The Museum of Regional History (originally the Texarkana Historical Museum) is a local history museum in Texarkana, Texas.[2][3] It is the first and oldest museum in the Texarkana metropolitan area;[4][5] it was established in 1971.[3] It is located in the Offenhauser Insurance Building, which was built in 1879,[4] making it the oldest brick building in the city.[2][3][6][7]

Museum of Regional History
Exterior of the Museum of Regional History
Established1971
LocationState Line Ave. and 3rd St.,
Texarkana, Texas
Coordinates33°25′20″N 94°02′36″W
TypeLocal history museum
WebsiteMuseum of Regional History
Offenhauser Insurance Building
Offenhauser Insurance Building
Offenhauser Insurance Building
Area0.2 acres (0.081 ha)
Built1901 (1901)
Architectural styleCommercial style
NRHP reference No.71000922[1]
RTHL No.9497
Significant dates
Added to NRHPFebruary 25, 1971
Designated RTHL1965

The Museum of Regional History narrates the history of the region, from its indigenous Caddo people and early Spanish and French explorers, to its agriculture and early industry, to its relationship to railroads, World War II, and the civil rights movement.[2][7][8] Its Caddo collections include jewelry, pottery, and tools as well as rare images.[9] Its most prominent collection documents the region's musical history, which includes Scott Joplin (widely recognized as the "Father of Ragtime"), Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, and Conlon Nancarrow.[2][4][5][8] This collection emphasizes jazz and folk music, and includes one of Joplin's pianos. The museum also has an exhibit on Texas Congressman Wright Patman.[9]

The Museum of Regional History additionally houses the Wilbur Smith Research Library and Archives,[2][4][5] which holds photographs and research materials,[3] including rare books and other documents.[9] The archives also includes the Texarkana city directory collection and Pioneer History files.[9]

The museum is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.[9] It is also both a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.[10]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. "Texarkana Museum of Regional History". Arkansas.com. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  3. "About TMS". Texarkana Museums System. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  4. "Museum of Regional History ~ 219 N. State Line Ave". Texarkana Museums System. June 20, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  5. "Texarkana: Museum of Regional History". Texas Forest Trail. Texas Historical Commission. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  6. "Texarkana Museum of Regional History". TravelTexas. Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  7. Williamson, Jim (June 29, 2014). "Landmarks, attractions that make Texarkana one of a kind". Texarkana Gazette. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  8. Buckner, Sharry (2009). Fun with the Family Texas: Hundreds of Ideas for Day Trips with the Kids. Guilford, Connecticut: Globe Pequot Press. p. 220. ISBN 0762763205.
  9. "Museum of Regional History, Texarkana, TX". Diamond Tours, Inc. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
  10. "Details for Texarkana Museum of Regional History/Texarkana Museums Systems". Texas Historical Commission. March 9, 2016. Retrieved February 6, 2017.

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