ABOUT
THE HERITAGE MUSEUM OF THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country was incorporated in Texas in November of 1995. It is a 501 (C) (3) organization dedicated to the collection, conservation, preservation, and display of materials associated with the natural and cultural history of the Texas Hill Country, as well as the education of visitors using its collections.
MISSION & HISTORY
In June of 1999, the Museum leased a 2.5-acre tract along FM 2673, which eventually became its permanent home. The location's immediate attraction was a site of 275 dinosaur footprints, which needed conservation and protection from the elements. The formal opening was held in 2000 on March 2, Texas Independence Day, with flag raisings and addresses by local and state dignitaries. February of 2003 saw the dedication of the original Museum property as the Burney Parker Heritage site to honor the father of John Parker, a benefactor of the Museum.
FUNDING
Operating Budget: Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and a small staff of paid personnel, the Museum can fund its operating budget with proceeds from two major fundraising events (Our fall festival and Winterfest Luncheon), Educational Events, membership dues, admission fees, and honoraria from group presentations.
Projects and Improvements: The Museum is still dependent upon donations and grants for capital projects and infrastructure improvements. ​
EXPANSION & THE FUTURE
The Museum has since expanded its property to almost 25 acres giving it the flexibility to expand its attractions and facilities to include Heritage and Cretaceous Gardens, outdoor education facilities, and fossil exposures. In December of 2008, a Track Pavilion was built to protect the larger part of the remaining footprints and allow better display of the site.
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A long-range planning effort is in progress to develop a site plan encompassing the entire site with the hopes that it will allow the Museum to secure funds to construct enhanced facilities such as a new display building, a classroom area, improved access, and parking, and possibly a pioneer village containing various historic Hill Country buildings.
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2022: This year, our focus is on completing the development of the Everett and Carolyn Deschner Learning Center. As a new educational building and outdoor classroom, we hope to share the outdoors, education, and the hill country with our community.
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
We want to show our appreciation for those individuals and companies who have seen fit to support our Museum through financial and non-financial gifts. Without the support of these individuals and companies, our mission could not continue.
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Much thanks and gratitude!
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SUPPORTERS
Everett and Carolyn Deschner
Sara Norton
Pam Smartt and The Smartt Team- Keller Williams Heritage Realty
SPONSORS
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