The Freestone County Historical Museum Board would like to welcome everyone to OPEN HOUSE on October 2nd, 11:00 am to noon.
Admission will be free all day, with a special ribbon cutting ceremony to be held at 11:00 am on the museum grounds. This year is also the celebration of the building’s 140th anniversary.
So much has happened since the beginning of the year, and we have been so very busy putting the finishing touches on our displays. The reproduction jail cells have been installed; and the 1914 jail gallows trap door and hanging hook have been installed. Furnishings have been moved in; including the original jail bathtub on wheels and the 1850s Peters and Craig square grand piano from the Marcus Seeley family. Seeley was once a deputy sheriff. A hospital room has been set up next to the sheriff’s office with a sick bed and many local medical artifacts.
A photo display of former sheriffs is being placed in the sheriff’s office (above); as well as several original jail artifacts, including the sheriff’s desk from the early 1900s! A photo collection of W.R. Boyd, Jr. is now on display and includes a detailed history of the W.R. Boyd Prison Unit.
The old McIlveen Family china hutch from the late 1800s was repaired and many of the old china pieces have been brought down from the archival storage area to once again be enjoyed.
Old Glory is now proudly flying over the old jail. Much thanks go to Brad and Diane Pullin for supplying the U.S. flag and pole light and to Marvin Mullen for installing them.
