Museum of the Desert Southwest facts for kids
The Museum of the Desert Southwest is a cool place to learn about the history of West Texas! It's located in Crane, in Crane County, Texas. This museum opened its doors in 1980 and is housed in a neat brick building.
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Explore the Museum of the Desert Southwest
The Museum of the Desert Southwest helps you discover the rich history of the area around Crane, Texas. It shows what life was like for people who lived here long ago.
Step Back in Time with Exhibits
The museum is close to the Pecos River. You can see old items from when people used to cross this river. Imagine what it was like to travel through the desert back then!
Inside, you'll find a model kitchen and a room showing women's fashion from the past. It's like stepping into a time machine!
Other exhibits show what pioneer ranch life was like. You can see an old Studebaker chuckwagon from the 1890s. This wagon was used to carry food and supplies for cowboys on long cattle drives. There's also a collection of 48 different spurs and bits, which are tools used for riding horses.
The museum also has some unique items. One is a device that was used to make whiskey during a time called Prohibition. This was a period when making and selling alcohol was against the law. Another interesting piece is an old hospital device. It was used to check shoes for static electricity to keep patients safe during operations.
You can also learn about the oil industry, which is very important to this part of Texas. Plus, there are fossils found nearby at a place called Castle Gap.
Meet Famous Western Writers
The museum also honors two famous authors who wrote exciting Western stories. Both Paul Patterson and his student, Elmer Kelton, had strong connections to Crane County. You can learn about their lives and how they captured the spirit of the West in their books.
Plan Your Visit
The Museum of the Desert Southwest is open all year. From Monday to Friday, you can visit from 1 PM to 4 PM. From May to September, it's also open in the mornings from 9 AM to noon, Monday through Saturday. On Saturday afternoons, it's open from 1 PM to 5 PM, and on Sunday afternoons, from 1 PM to 4 PM. The best part is, there are no admission fees to enter!
Images for kids
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The museum is operated by the Crane County Historical Association
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Model kitchen
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Women's fashion room
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Jaycee Creed
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Elmer Kelton exhibit
