Museums aren’t just places to go on boring school trips – they’re actually super interesting and can be a huge benefit to homeschoolers! For starters, they’re hands-on and interactive, making learning way more fun than just sitting in a classroom. If you have a student who wants to be active, a museum may be a perfect place to learn. They also expose kids to different cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking that they might not encounter otherwise. Plus, by asking questions and exploring topics in depth, museums can help kids develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. And let’s not forget about the fact that museums can inspire a lifelong love of learning by making kids curious about the world around them. West Texas has a rich history, and unique culture. From the towering peaks of the Davis Mountains to the wide-open plains of the Permian Basin, this area has a wealth of stories to tell. And what better way to explore the beauty of these stories than through the museums that bring them to life? I love books so I couldn’t resist including a few options to help make learning even more fun.
Parents, as always use your discernment when choosing what books would be best for your family. I do my best to find interesting & educational options but I am not able to read every book listed.
Museum of the Big Bend: Located on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine, the Museum of the Big Bend is dedicated to the history and culture of the Big Bend region. The museum has exhibits on Native American life, early explorers, and the history of ranching in the area.
Books:
- Cattle Kids: A Year on the Western Range by Ubigkit – An engaging and educational book for children that offers an intimate look at life on a working cattle ranch. Through stunning photography and captivating storytelling, young readers will learn about the daily challenges and rewards of raising cattle in the rugged terrain of the western range. With a focus on teamwork, responsibility, and respect for the natural world, this book is the perfect introduction to the Western lifestyle.
- If You Traveled West In A Covered Wagon by Levine – This informative and fun book takes young readers on a journey back in time to the era of pioneers and wagon trains. Learn about the challenges and adventures of traveling across the country in a covered wagon, from the landscapes and wildlife to the dangers and excitement of the journey.
Fort Davis National Historic Site: Located in Fort Davis, this site preserves one of the best examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest. Visitors can tour the historic buildings and learn about the soldiers who served at the fort.
Books:
- Frontier Medicine at Fort Davis & Other Army Posts: True Stories of Unglamorous Maladies by Smith – A fascinating look at the history of frontier medicine in the American West. Explore the challenges and innovations of medical practices in remote army outposts through the captivating stories and detailed research of this unique book. I found this book extremely interesting from both a historical and herbal perspective. Note: This book deals with tragic illness & death. While it may be of great interest to those looking at a career in medicine or those interested in the herbal practices of Native Americans, it may be too much for some students.
- Buffalo Bill & the Pony Express (An I Can Read Level 3) by Coerr – Great for beginning readers, this book introduces the Wild West and its adventurous Pony Express riders.
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum: Located in Midland, this museum showcases the history of the oil industry in the Permian Basin. The museum has exhibits on geology, drilling, and refining, as well as an outdoor exhibit with drilling rigs and other equipment.
Books:
- Goodnight Drilling Rig by Wagner – A bedtime story unique to the oil patch. Learn about the oilfield as you say goodnight.
- Geology by Gray – Part of the True Books series, this is not your standard textbook geology.
Ellen Noel Art Museum: Located in Odessa, this museum has a collection of over 12,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. The museum has a focus on 20th-century American art and also hosts traveling exhibits.
Books:
- Sabrina Hann’s Art & Concepts for Kids by Hahn – This is a set of 4 books. My family owns this set and all of us enjoy them. Each book includes iconic paintings curated based on the concept (ABC’s, Numbers, etc) They are beautiful books and are a great way to include art in your everyday learning.
- The Texas Post Office Murals by Parisi – During the Great Depression, a New Deal program commissioned artists to paint murals in many post offices and federal buildings. This beautiful book displays those murals and their history. This is a little known bit of Texas history, after enjoying the book, I want to go see the murals in person.
The American Windmill Museum in Lubbock, TX is a unique destination dedicated to preserving the history of wind power in the United States. With over 100 beautiful windmills on display, visitors can learn about the evolution of wind power technology and its impact on American agriculture.
Books:
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by Kamkwamba – NOTE: This story contains some very difficult concepts. I am only recommend the YR edition. There is an adult version as well, make sure you get the right version. This story follows a young boy determined to save his family during a terrible draught. After much study, he decides to build a windmill using only the materials available to him. It is an inspiring story and would be a wonderful book to enjoy before visiting the Windmill museum.
- American Windmills: An Album of Historic Photographs by Baker – Containing 200+ images, this book follows Danial Halladay’s incredible invention through history.
- Great Inventors & Their Inventions by Bachman – Learn about some of histories most interesting inventors from this classic book. Includes 12 stories.
National Ranching Heritage Center: I included this museum in my post about family-friendly outdoor destinations in West Texas. You can find more info here.
The Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas is dedicated to preserving the history of the glider pilots who played a critical role in WWII. The museum houses a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including restored gliders and interactive displays, providing visitors with a unique educational experience.
Books:
- Thirty Minutes Over Oregon by Nobleman – The true story of a Japanese pilot during WWII. An inspiring picture of forgiveness.
- Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin: The Glider Pilots of WWII by McGaugh – This is not a Young Readers Edition. The amazing and heart wrenching story of the incredibly brave pilots during WWII.
- Planes, Gliders, Helicopters, & Other Flying Machines by Jennings – A look at how aircraft is made and how it works. Perfect for the curious budding engineer.
National WASP Museum WWII in Sweetwater, TX shares the amazing history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII. The museum has an incredible collection of stories as well as actual planes used by WASP.
Books:
- Skyward: The Story of Female Pilots in WWII by Deng – A picture book story of three young girls who dream of becoming pilots.
- Betty Greene: Wings to Serve by Benge – The amazing story of WASP pilot and founder of Mission Aviation Fellowship.
- The Fearless Flight of Hazel Ying Lee by Leung – An inspiring true story of the first Chinese American woman to fly for the USA in WWII.
I can’t wait to take my kids to these museums! I am already adding books to my shopping list in preparation. I hope you love learning about the amazing history of our amazing country as seen through the stories preserved in these museums.
