Museums

The increasing size and frequency of wildfires in the Panhandle is putting strains on rural fire departments. Our Brad Burt reports that a bill to bring funding and equipment for these departments is now headed for Governor Abbott’s desk. The Buddy Holly Center and the Silent Wings Museum are once again taking part in the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and families through September 1. You can find a list of qualifications, identification, and all the participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

More than 120 organizations across Texas are urging state lawmakers to approve an investment to improve access to high-quality child care. Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro says there are around 95,000 Texas families waitlisted for a child care scholarship. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports on a bill up for consideration in the Texas House, which would allow Texas schools to hold prayer and Bible reading sessions. The Buddy Holly Center is celebrating National Train Day on Saturday with with a free day of activities for history-lovers and families alike.

Geological testing and historic research confirmed that this site was the primary source of stone used in the 1700s to build the Alamo Church. It was also used for other structures.

Yesterday, Lubbock Public Health provided an update on a confirmed measles case. Our Bishop Van Buren reports that the City of Lubbock has been recognized at the state level for its growing role in the digital media industry. On Monday, the Buddy Holly Center will be honoring “The Day the Music Died,” with free admission, tours, and activities. Over at the City of Lubbock Cemetery, Buddy Holly’s grave will be decorated with yellow roses.

The Buddy Holly Center’s annual Celebración exhibition is a tradition dating back to the 1980s, helping the Lubbock community celebrate life, death, and culture. We spoke to museum staff and artists about what the Day of the Dead and the art at the exhibit means to them.

After several years of near-inactivity, the Invertebrate Zoology Collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University is back to providing resources to entomologists everywhere. In the spirit of the season, we visited the facility and heard from the collection’s curator who says bugs like these deserve more attention.

Ector County has issued a disaster declaration in response to pollution from a recent chemical fire at an industrial facility outside of Odessa. KERA’s Katherine Hobbs reports that the Texas Civil War Museum will close its doors in October. And Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer will be holding Coffee with the Mayor, beginning with District 1 on Wednesday at 7 a.m.