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Museum opening Aug. 18
Special to the Avalanche
Grand opening of the renovated Museum of the Big Bend will be held Saturday, Aug. 18.
The museum, located on the Sul Ross State University campus, has returned to its original location following a five-year, $4.4 million fundraising campaign.
More than $1.2 million of that amount came from Emmett and Miriam McCoy of San Marcos. Emmett McCoy started McCoy's Building Supply, now run by their son, Brian.
Liz Jackson, who wears many hats at the museum, including public relations, recounts the story of how Sul Ross received the donation:
"Larry [Francell, the museum director] got back in the office one day and there was this plain No. 10 in the stack of mail," she says. "Inside - without a letter or anything - was a check for one million dollars. A personal check."
Jackson adds that more than 700 individuals donated to the money-raising campaign - from the million-dollar check to hundreds of five-dollar checks and one-dollar bills.
Plans are to open the museum for self-guided tours with the celebration to be held outside. Tentative activities include live music, clowns and a plentiful supply of helium balloons, archeological fun for children, a scavenger hunt, crafts and native plant exhibits, a visit from soldiers from the Fort Davis National Historic Site and a cowboy cook camp. Hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy will be served.
For more information, contact Jackson at 432-837-8143.
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