WT Student Senate approves revised resolution supporting Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

The West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) Student Senate on Monday evening, Feb. 23, unanimously passed a revised resolution expressing support for the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM). The resolution, which updates language from an earlier draft, will be sent to University President Dr. Walter Wendler, Student Body President Mary Vivian Ivey, and other university and historical society officials.

According to Senator Gabriel Powell, the revised resolution “supports and encourages the University to make every effort to ensure the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum remain on the campus of West Texas A&M University.”

The museum, located on WTAMU’s Canyon campus, has been closed since March 2025 due to fire and life-safety violations identified by the state fire marshal’s office. Its collection includes over two million artifacts documenting the history and culture of West Texas and the Panhandle.

University President Wendler spoke to the media Monday about ongoing discussions regarding the museum’s future. He emphasized that keeping the museum on campus is possible if resources allow.

“My perspective is it should be on campus and where it is, as long as the resources are available,” Wendler said.

Funding and logistical considerations remain key challenges. Estimated costs for potential solutions, which could involve partial demolition and reconstruction to meet modern safety codes, range between $100 million and $250 million. Wendler noted that both capital funding for facility improvements and operational funding would be required, neither of which is currently secured.

A San Antonio-based firm has been engaged to provide cost estimates and potential redevelopment scenarios. Wendler described the planning as complex but necessary:

“We have to fix on one of those and then move forward with it, and all of these scenarios include demolition of parts of the existing museum and then reconstruction, in a modern sense, that would be, meet all the fire codes, meet all the safety stipulations,” he said.

Preserving the museum’s collection remains a priority. Museum staff have begun carefully packing artifacts to protect them during any future redevelopment or relocation, while consultants from the Texas Historical Commission have advised on refining the collection for long-term sustainability.

Jason Boyett of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society said that while remaining on campus is preferred, the organization is preparing for other possibilities.

“Obviously, we would like to stay at WT in some capacity because moving two million things, even moving it 15 miles north to Amarillo, is a many, many years process,” Boyett said. “So if we don’t have to make that move, we would love not to make that move.”

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has served the region since its founding in 1933, welcoming thousands of visitors each year and providing research and learning opportunities. Community interest in its preservation has remained strong, including recent rallies and town halls advocating for the museum’s continued presence on campus.

No final decision has been announced, but university leaders say discussions are ongoing, with the potential for a plan to emerge by late spring or early summer.