Museum of North Texas History – Wichita Falls, Texas
North Texas is filled with history encompassing a wide array of different important aspects of life in the earlier years. The Museum on North Texas History covers some of them such as the Military Collection showcasing photographs, flags, maps, books, uniforms, weapons and other items that would be of interest to those studying the history of the area.
The display of Military History includes things from the Civil War and all the conflicts and wars since that time as well as exhibits of Women in the Military, From Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay. This area would be of great interest to those that have always wondered how involved women have been in war times.
The primary area of interest for the museum is the Iwo Jima Room where many of the survivors of this battle have donated their military memorabilia to the collection to allow the memory to live on.
Affiliated with the museum is the JN4-D "Jenny" which is thought to be perhaps the most famous and important airplane in American aviation history. It is said to be the plane that put the United States into the air.
The "Jenny" (the #46 training plane when she was at Call Field in Wichita Falls) was one of 2,400 manufactured during the years 1916 – 1918. It was flown as a primary trainer during WWI. After the war it was purchased by a private citizen and used for "barnstorming" for the next 3 years at state fairs and air shows, mostly in northern Iowa. Following an accident that severely injured the owner and the plane it was put into storage in Burt, Iowa for 50 years. When it was discovered in 1970 by a man from Spencer, Iowa he began the restoration and completed in Oklahoma City in 1987. (more history of the restoration and tragedy associated with the plane and work is available at the museum).
The city of Wichita Falls purchased the "Jenny" to be used as the centerpiece of its "Tribute to call Field" at Kickapoo Airport. The plane is actually flown for demonstration flights on special occasions.
The museum continues to add new and exciting things to its collection. Next is the Western Room where there will be a display of Western hats from a Wichita Falls businessman, Nat Fleming. There is also the display of a horse-drawn buggy, Joe Bridwell’s saddle, a collection of barbed wire, a chuck box and a side saddle. Along with this is a jewelry box made from the hoof of a stolen Waggoner Ranch horse. The stolen horse, used in the unsuccessful bank robbery of the City National Bank in 1898, was killed in the attempted get away as was a bank teller. The robbers were hanged and buried in Wichita Falls.
These are just some of the things that are available to see at the museum. Come on over, look around, ask questions and learn about the things that are of interest and importance to these eras of history.
Location: 720 Indiana, Wichita Falls, Texas
Hours: 10 – 12 a.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Saturday: 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Phone 940-322-7628
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