A community town hall held Thursday evening at Cole Community Center brought together local residents, preservation advocates, and historical society leaders to discuss the uncertain future of the Panhandle’s most prominent regional museum.
The Feb. 12 meeting focused on ongoing concerns surrounding the shuttered Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and its long-term viability. The event drew a strong turnout, reflecting both sustained interest from longtime supporters and new voices eager to better understand what lies ahead.
Panel Provides Updates
Representatives from the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society led the discussion. The panel included past president Joel Hogue, president-elect Suzanne Wheeler, current president Ellen Jones, and past president and treasurer Will Miller.
They fielded questions from museum devotees desperate for answers. Moderator Skylar Gallop emphasized to the crowd to be sure to ask a question, but limit their questions so everyone could be heard. The hour-long meeting was extended by 30 minutes so everyone had a chance to speak.
Many attendees came seeking clarity about the building itself and its future. While panelists acknowledged that they could not provide definitive answers on structural decisions, they shared perspectives based on ongoing discussions with leadership at West Texas A&M University, including President Walter Wendler.
The Central Question: Will the Museum Move?
The most pressing concern raised during the meeting was whether the museum might be relocated.
According to Jones, the society is not currently considering a full relocation without first consulting interested partners and evaluating the possibility of relocating only certain sections added over time.
The board emphasized a shared desire to keep Pioneer Hall and its contents in Canyon. However, Miller noted that movement of artifacts would likely be unavoidable regardless of the path chosen—whether renovation, partial relocation, or construction of a new facility.
Miller also pointed to what he described as improved communication with university leadership.
“We are all here due to an existential crisis with an uncertain future and share your passion for our museum,” Miller said.
Shifting Conversations
Panelists indicated that discussions with university leadership appear to be progressing.
As far as the situation now, Jones said that she felt like things were going well with President Wendler and ‘in a direction we like.’
Hogue acknowledged that the society had previously explored legal options in response to earlier expectations that a relocation plan be developed by Feb. 1.
“We did consider litigation,” he said, noting that recent developments had placed discussions on a more constructive path.
Why the Silence?
Attendees also asked why the society had not spoken publicly earlier in the process.
“We were meeting with Dr. Wendler last year and having discussions,” Jones said. “We wanted to exercise prudence, caution and restraint. It wouldn’t help to argue on a public platform. But we wanted to have clarity and direction from the university before we came forward.”
As public interest intensified, Wheeler said the society determined it was time to provide updates—even while acknowledging that ultimate authority rests elsewhere.
“We are looking at other options,” Wheeler said, adding that she would like to see exhibits evolve into more interactive and educational experiences.
Local government officials, including Canyon Mayor Gary Hinders and City Manager Joe Price, were recognized for their involvement.
“I can’t go anywhere without someone talking about the museum,” Wheeler said. “It’s good energy going down the road.”
Preservation Challenges
Concerns about preserving the museum’s extensive collection were also raised.
Audience members asked about environmental controls such as relative humidity—an essential factor in artifact preservation. Miller acknowledged the complexity involved.
“Whatever the decision is, we will have to move the artifacts carefully and hire specialists to do that,” he said. “It won’t be an easy task.”
Wheeler emphasized the importance of professional staff currently overseeing the collection.
“We are listening to them — they are the professionals,” she said. “We have been silent, but you need to know, we’re thankful you’re passionate.”
She added that long-term planning underway now could shape a stable future.
Expert Guidance on the Way
A notable development emerged during the meeting when Hogue announced an upcoming visit from the Texas Historical Commission.
“THC will be visiting next week for their expertise of care — handling and packing of previous artifacts. We are relying on the experts to guide us,” Hogue said.
The announcement marked the first time many attendees had heard about the visit.
Panelists also referenced previous legislative efforts by State Rep. John Smithee aimed at granting THC management authority over the museum’s artifacts in hopes of opening new funding opportunities. That proposal was not approved.
Historical Context and Facilities
Discussions also touched on past facilities associated with the museum, including storage areas and the Old Conservation Center connected to Pioneer Hall. Audience members noted that some buildings historically linked to the museum were not originally part of the university campus.
Other former storage locations—including an off-campus armory and a site near Happy—were recalled as having housed larger artifacts in the past, though both were reportedly in poor condition.
Community Stories
Personal memories shared during the meeting underscored the museum’s deep community roots.
One participant described traveling to Amarillo by train as a student to help clean bricks for the museum’s construction—a collaborative effort involving youth from multiple counties.
Wheeler said preserving such memories could play an important role in maintaining the museum’s legacy and strengthening public engagement moving forward.
Code and Compliance Issues
Another attendee raised historical building code concerns, noting that older portions of the museum had once been exempt from certain inspections. According to the attendee, closure could subject the facility to updated requirements if reopened.
While the panel did not confirm those details, the exchange highlighted the range of logistical considerations that may factor into future planning.
Who Decides?
Ultimately, authority over the museum’s future lies beyond the historical society.
Final decisions will be made by leadership within the Texas A&M University System, of which WTAMU is a member.
Hogue suggested that momentum may be building within the system’s leadership.
“Everyone wants to keep Pioneer Hall here,” he said. “But ultimately, it is out of our hands.”
How the Public Can Help
Panelists encouraged community members to stay engaged by joining the historical society and advocating for the museum’s importance.
“There’s a great benefit of banding together,” Wheeler said.
Fundraising efforts have not yet begun, Miller explained, as plans must first be defined—whether focused on renovation, relocation, storage improvements, or new construction.
Still, he reiterated the complexity ahead.
“Whatever the decision is, we will have to move the artifacts carefully and hire specialists to do that,” he said. “It won’t be an easy task, and it will take patience.”
Looking Ahead
The town hall reflected both uncertainty and cautious optimism. While definitive answers remain elusive, continued dialogue between the society, university leadership, preservation experts, and the public appears to be shaping a more collaborative path forward.
