Being there was extra time to spend in Alpine, Texas I explored the little town and discovered the Museum of the Big Bend located at the Sul Ross State University.
The museum covers the natural and human history of this culturally diverse region.
Native Americans inhabited the area for thousands of years before the arrival of the Spanish.
Long before Texas became part of the United States, Mexican people lived on both sides of the Rio Grande River.
Then there was the westward expansion across America.
And don’t forget the more modern icon of Dan Blocker, playing Hoss Cartwrite from the 1959-1973 TV show Bonanza, whose Alma Mater is the Sul Ross State University.
Also on exhibit was “Trappings of Texas”, an annual western art show that opened with the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the end of February.
Plus selections from the the Davis Map Collection.
Too many interpretive signs with too much text caused me to only read the headlines. Otherwise I’d have been in this sweet little museum about five times the hour it took me to take it in.
Yet I did enjoy the historical preview to the Big Bend area as I plan to visit Big Bend National Park on my return to Arizona.
So interesting! Lots to see there.
Very telling comment you make – "Too many interpretive signs with too much text…" Interesting perspective from the other side!
Always fun to learn the history of an area. Too much can be a turn off—-we are such a busy society. LOL—Yawn! MB
Interesting post, and yes Hoss brings back many memories of Bonanza 🙂 Diane
I like that painting, not surprised to see a "sold" sign on it.
I look forward to the posts from Big Bend, I've heard good things about this park.
We visited Big Bend in 2010 and very much loved it. The mountains and the Rio Grande were two of our favorites. We did a "boomerang" (up and back) trip thru Santa Elena canyon…just beautiful!
I have to agree with Nina, there are way too many interpretative signs and not enough wonderfully engaging and passionate interpreters like you! I know parks in Canada are trying to draw more people to Parks however with the increase in multiculturism there needs to be more of the human interpreters rather than written(often only english) signs.
Great post Gaelyn and continue to do what you do so well.
Smiles
My family goes to the San Antonio area every January and I have thought of meeting them there sometime. But the weather is often cold and rainy then. The history of Texas is very interesting.
Looks like a sweet little museum!
I'm with you on this one. Too much text makes one just browse through and not read everything. LOL. Like some folks blogs.
I like the fisrt little piece about how God made Bog Bend.
Nice clicks… Interesting!
History of all places is so interesting. You quickly gave me an insight into a part of Texas history
Such an interesting museum and I love your pictures.
Have a great Wednesday!
Betty
Looks like an interesting museum, Gaelyn. West Texas has a lot of history to offer.
I'm so sorry that I haven't checked in with your blog in such a long time! While at the museum, you were literally less than 100 feet from my office's front door. I work at the university (and incidentally, am a part-time student, too). I hope you enjoyed your stay in Alpine. Safe travels.