THE VERNA ANNE AND CHARLIE WHEELER ADDITION

On June 1, 2006 behind closed doors, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to name the new addition to the museum "The Verna Anne and Charlie Wheeler." On August 1, 2008 at the City of Crosbyton's 100th Anniversary and the museum's 50th Anniversary the new addition comprising of just under 4000 sq. ft. was dedicated. For more inforamtion on Mrs. Wheeler see that Staff and Board page.

WAYNE J. PARKER CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES

Wayne Parker spent a live time collecting and studyung American Indian artifacts. This passion began when he was a small boy in Blanco Canyon, located east of Crosbyton. He was well known for his knowledge and programs of the American Indian, Cavalry soldiers, history of Blanco Canyon and Quanah Parker. Wayne's great grandfather and Quanah Parker were not only friends but cousins. This family connection with Quanah sparked Wayne's interest to study local history and find county historical sites. Wayne followed the paths of his legendary mentor s footsteps recording and excavating their campgrounds and battle fields. Although, he was an amateur archeologist, he was a professional in recording each artifact found. Wayne collected some 23,000 artifacts, making records of each piece and documenting them to a map and site.

The collection was given to the museum by Wayne's widow and their three children Becky Tidwell, Scarlet Cargile and J Rhett Parker. Wayne was very passionate about history and it was an honor to grant his wishes of having the collection placed in his home town of Crosbyton, TX. He always believed the artifacts needed to stay in Crosby County where the history and pieces were found and created. (Written by J Rhett Parker.)

The Study Center is a work in progress. Museum staff is curently working to put every piece in Wayne's collection ona computer to make them available for study. We want our visitors to be able to research the different types of artifacts in the collection without handling the artifact to help prevent loss or damage.