I am greeted by Mickie Ross, Williamson Museum Executive Director, as soon as I step into the museum located on the square in Georgetown. Dressed appropriately in a poppy-decorated dress (Georgetown, the county seat, is, after all, the Red Poppy Capital of Texas), she begins telling me about Williamson County.
“It was in 1848 when the citizens of western Milam County petitioned the state to form a new county. The Milam County Seat was 40 to 50 miles away for residents,” Ross explains as she points to a map.
The citizens first wanted to name the new county San Gabriel and then Clear Water. But, in the end, lawmakers in Austin chose Williamson to honor Robert McAlpin Williamson: editor, patriot, school teacher and a Major of the first Texas Rangers.
“I don’t think he ever visited the county,” she adds with a smile.
“The statue of Williamson in front of the museum is correct,” she says. “Because of a childhood affliction—it was likely polio—his right leg was drawn up and he used a wooden leg. But this never stopped him. He was even considered quite the dancer.”
As we walk through the museum, she explains temporary exhibits change once a year.
“Poppies and Progress 1917—1923” helps explain how the war affected the nation and Williamson County by honoring war heroes, suffragettes and others during and just after the war.
“A soldier sent his mother poppy seeds from France and she planted them,” Ross explains of the exhibits name. “They were so popular others started planting them which is how we became the poppy capital.”
Another exhibit is “A Place of Faith, Congregations of Williamson County” and features historic and current photography honoring the county’s diverse religions.
Permanent exhibits include “Willie’s Kids Corral” where children can make believe they are living the cowboy life, and “Museum Works Project” features murals painted in the tradition of the 1930s and 40s Public Works murals.
“We also have 17 different grade-appropriate traveling trunks we take to schools across the county. We present specific aspects of history including the Revolutionary War, Swedish heritage and pioneer times in Texas,” she says.
Williamson County recently opened The Williamson Museum on the Chisholm Trail in Round Rock and provides tours of the Historic Williamson County Courthouse.
Every exhibit is beautifully displayed; the work of several dedicated volunteers. The museum is an excellent introduction to the county and Georgetown.
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