Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum

Two librarians (Shawna and myself, Nitza) take a trip to central Texas to explore libraries and resources available to cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. Strap on your spurs and come along for a ride. Yeehaw!!


Our first stop was in Waco.  I must recommend that you stop at Waco's Tourist Information Center located directly off of I-35 at the 335B exit.  This is a grand ole place to pick up free brochures and loads of information regarding points of interest and attractions.  While you're there, you can stock up on souvenirs such as mugs, t-shirts, key chains, and anything else your little heart desires.

Located directly next to the Tourist Information Center is the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.  The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and offers some great fun and resources at very reasonable rates.  Grown ups and kids will enjoy the exhibit which showcases artifacts related to the Texas Rangers.  The artifact collection consists of badges, firearms, tack, and personal gear. 

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum

If you're a teacher or librarian looking for resources relating to Texas history, you've just hit the jackpot!  The museum offers guided tours and hands-on programs.  All of the programs offered have TEKS connections.  The museum offers a crime scene kit, with a teacher's guide, at no cost.  The kit can be checked-out for 1-2 weeks and all you have to do is pay for it to be shipped back.  The museum also offers a surveying program with math TEKS connections. 

If that wasn't enough, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum also offers summer programs.  One of the summer programs consists of a Living History Re-enactment.  On July 20, 2012 they will be offering a Texas Ranger Summer Camp for kids entering the fourth and fifth grades.  Kids will have the opportunity to learn survival skills that were needed by the 19th century Texas Ranger. The camp runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at a cost of $25.00. 


Casey Eichhorn, the Education Coordinator, is offering Skype tours at no cost.  It's a fantastic way for kids to "visit" the museum without the hassle of coordinating a field trip.  Casey's email and phone number can be seen to the right of the screen.  Contact him regarding any the programs that might be of interest.

One of the exhibits