Young County Museum Marks First Anniversary with History, Food and Fun

The Young County Museum of History and Culture celebrated its first anniversary Saturday, Sept. 5, with a day that mixed Texas history with chuck wagon cooking, live music and a little old-fashioned soda shop fun.

Visitors gathered at the Graham museum for the anniversary celebration, where a chuck wagon dinner and hot dogs were served outside, and a country singer provided live entertainment.

Inside, visitors got their first look at a new exhibit exploring Young County’s oil and gas history. The exhibit includes authentic documents and tools from the industry, along with stories of the people who searched for oil and helped shape the county’s economy. A pint-sized pumpjack helps bring the history to life for younger visitors.

The museum’s soda shop also opened for the day, giving visitors another taste of an earlier era.

Texas appellate Justice Ken Wise, host of the popular “Wise About Texas” history podcast, was a special guest for the celebration. Justice Wise sat for several interviews throughout the day, including conversations with Shannon and Tony, Jim Hammond, and Olney Enterprise Editor and Publisher Gina Keating.

Visitors were invited to listen to the interviews.

The celebration began at 10 a.m. and continued until 4 p.m., marking the end of the museum’s first year and the beginning of another year of collecting and telling the stories of Young County.