GRAHAM, Texas (KAUZ) – One of Graham's newest attractions is already making a name for itself by preserving and showcasing the rich history of Young County.
The Young County Museum of History and Culture opened its doors less than a year ago but has quickly become a popular destination for both tourists and local residents.
Located just off Graham's historic square, the museum features exhibits spanning from the 1830s through the 1950s. Visitors can explore displays covering early settlers, Native American conflicts, Western law and order, the oil industry's impact on the region and much more.
The museum educates visitors about Young County through guided tours and carefully curated exhibits, many of which are built from donated artifacts and stories shared by community members.
Museum Curator Tony Widner said those stories are essential to preserving local history.
“History is told by the people who survived it, the witnesses, the next person that heard about it, the investigators. So you get a lot of different versions. And you have to take those three or four versions and try to come up with the version that tells the truth from most people's perspective,†Widner said.
With less than a year under its belt, Museum Director Chandy Dunnam said the response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are very thrilled when people come in and go, wow, this is a great museum and it's right here in Young County that just makes our day because a lot of people come in expecting paper stapled to the wall and that's not what we area,†Dunnam said.
Widner said the museum also helps bring generations together by giving visitors a shared experience through history.
“People of all ages view our history from different perspectives and when they come in, you can see it, you can touch it, you can experience it, you can even interact with it. And I think that brings a point where everybody can comprehend it from the same perspective,†Widner said.
It's not just local visitors who are interested in Young County's past. Widner said the museum has also attracted guests from overseas who are fascinated by the area's history.
“I think a lot of people come over here from England, and when you talk about Native Americans and rattlesnakes and scorpions, you might as well be talking about dragons and knights and unicorns, so for them to hear what our history is, which is basically mythology for them, is an enjoyable experience,†Widner said.
The Young County Museum of History and Culture is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
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