Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum In Canyon Could Reopen!

A little over a week ago, Canyon and the Texas Panhandle got some bad news that they probably weren't expecting. It was announced that the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum was closing its doors indefinitely.

It's not that people weren't going to the museum; that wasn't an issue. The issue at hand was that there were so many issues with the building that it couldn't pass an inspection by the state fire marshal, and that'll force you to do one of two things.

Why Did They Have To Close The Doors

One, you can opt to make the revisions needed in order to pass the inspection, or you can simply close the building. Sadly, PPHM had to opt for the latter as they simply couldn't afford to make the renovations needed in order to keep it open.

Now, there is a potential light at the end of the tunnel and it could get the museum back open.

Bill Proposed To Reopen Museum

A bill has been introduced in the Texas Senate by Amarillo Rep. John Smithee to transfer management of the museum to the Texas Historical Commission and take the management off the hands of West Texas A&M.

By doing this, the Texas Historical Commission could potentially receive state funds to make the renovations needed in order to pass the inspection and reopen the doors. However, I caution you that just because the bill is proposed, it doesn't mean it will necessarily happen.

What Does The Bill Propose?

First things first, the bill proposes that the Texas Historical Commission would contract with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society for the day-to-day management of the museum. The PPHS owns the entire collection inside.

It also would allow the commission to team up with WTAMU or the Texas A&M University System to be able to maintain the building, and potentially renovate or even expand the museum.

Another piece of it is the creation of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Fund. This fund would be dedicated strictly to the museum and supported through gift shop sales, donations, and admission fees.

When Will We Find Out

That part is up in the air a bit, but for the bill to take effect immediately, it must pass with 2/3 support of the Texas House and Senate.

If not passed immediately, the museum staff that is currently employed would transfer their employment to the Texas Historical Commission by September 1.