Museum of Regional History (Texarkana) facts for kids
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Exterior of the Museum of Regional History
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| Established | 1971 |
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| Location | State Line Ave. and 3rd St., Texarkana, Texas |
| Type | Local history museum |
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Offenhauser Insurance Building
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architectural style | Commercial style |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000922 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | February 25, 1971 |
The Museum of Regional History is a cool place in Texarkana, Texas, where you can learn all about the area's past. It was first known as the Texarkana Historical Museum. This museum is the very first and oldest museum in the Texarkana area, opening its doors in 1971. You'll find it inside the historic Offenhauser Insurance Building, which was built way back in 1879. That makes it the oldest brick building in the whole city!
Contents
What You'll Discover Inside
The Museum of Regional History tells the amazing story of the Texarkana region. It covers everything from the first people who lived there, the Caddo tribe, to early explorers from Spain and France. You can also learn about how the area grew with farming and early factories. The museum also shows how important railroads were, and how the region was affected by World War II and the civil rights movement.
Special Collections
The museum has many interesting collections.
- Caddo People: You can see jewelry, pottery, and tools made by the Caddo people. There are also rare pictures that show what their lives were like.
- Music History: One of the most popular collections is about the region's music history. It features famous musicians like Scott Joplin, who is known as the "Father of Ragtime" music. You'll also learn about Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter and Conlon Nancarrow. This part of the museum focuses on jazz and folk music. It even has one of Scott Joplin's own pianos!
- Wright Patman: There is also an exhibit about Wright Patman, who was a very important Congressman from Texas. He worked to help people in the region for many years.
Research and Archives
The Museum of Regional History is also home to the Wilbur Smith Research Library and Archives. This is a special place where people can look at old photographs and research materials. It has rare books and other important documents. The archives also keep a collection of Texarkana city directories and files about the area's early settlers, called Pioneer History files.
Accessibility and Recognition
The museum is designed to be welcoming to everyone. It follows the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means it's easy for people with disabilities to visit. The museum building is also very important historically. It is recognized as both a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These honors mean the building is a significant part of history and is protected.
See also
