After four months of renovation, downtown Texarkana's Lindsey Railroad Museum is on track to being a more visitor-friendly attraction.
"Years ago, when we first opened the display, we weren't quite sure how our collection of artifacts should be organized and placed, but after researching other museums, we decided on a new layout and how best to present that artifact layout in a way that would best serve the public," said Dr. Beverly Rowe, the museum's proprietor, founder and curator. "Now, the artifacts offer a better reflection of the historical gallery itself."
After securing $17,000 in municipal Advertising and Promotion funds back in January, the renovation, which included both stationary and mobile wall installations, ultimately cost about $30,000 and took about four months to complete. Work started in March and was finished in July.
Tourists are now treated to sequential artifact galleries from Texarkana's railroad history, which first focuses on Union Station and its evolution.
The second gallery shows artifacts from Texarkana's freight traffic. Rowe said that some of Texarkana's more notable freight included tin products, glass, bedroom furniture and cotton, clay tile and lumber products.
The third set of artifacts deals with rail travel, passenger comfort and convenience.
"Whatever passengers had the money for, they could get," she said.
The renovated portion also features a picture gallery focusing on Texarkana's railroads, downtown churches and buildings and prominent people.
The museum is in the process of adding a gift shop downstairs, as well, and is open to tours from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.