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Francell receiving prestigious award
Special to the Avalanche Museum of the Big Bend Director Larry Francell will receive a prestigious award from the Texas Historical Commission at the annual Historic Preservation Conference May 1-3 in Corpus Christi. Francell will receive the John L. Nau III Award of Excellence in Museums in recognition of his significant achievement in historical interpretation, museum education, conservation of collections and/or community involvement. He was nominated by the Texas Mountain Trail board of directors. "The board ... was very happy to nominate Larry for this award and bring statewide recognition to the Museum of the Big Bend," said Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail coordinator. "Through Larry's leadership and hard work of the museum's staff, volunteers and partners, the region now has a strong anchor attraction for tourists." Since becoming director in 2000, Francell spearheaded a $4.4 million renovation/relocation campaign that resulted in the museum's return to its original location, a building constructed on the Sul Ross State University campus in 1936 during the Texas Centennial. The renovation included new and expanded exhibits, and a curator of education is scheduled to be added to the staff. "The vision that has brought us the new Museum of the Big Bend belongs to our director, Larry Francell," said Sul Ross President Vic Morgan. "He has provided the motivation for the creation and continuance of this project. Developing the plan for the funding of the building renovation and exhibits, and now for the operation, has been achieved by his commitment to create a facility that will serve the region far into the future. "The museum and its collections and exhibits will attract visitors and scholars from all over the world who seek to better understand the culture and heritage of our region that is preserved and exhibited here," Morgan added. "We have already begun to see an increase in visitors and requests for research opportunities as the reputation and information about the facility is spreading. Larry's vision for the education component will add to the attraction and bring to life the culture and heritage of this region, particularly for our youth." Francell praised his staff, as well as Sul Ross' administration and supporters. "Without the commitment of the staff, the help of Museumscapes [Museum Exhibit Design & Fabrication company] and all the people who had a hand in actually fabricating and installing our exhibits, the support of Dr. Morgan and the belief in the importance of preserving the history of the Big Bend expressed by the generous financial support of donors over the years, today's facilities would still be in the planning stage," Francell said. For more information, contact Francell, 432-837-8145 or francell@sulross.edu. AHS thespians' production draws a crowd The Alpine High School production of S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" drew a sizable crowd Monday night at the Alpine ISD auditorium. Francell receiving prestigious award Special to the Avalanche Special to the Avalanche Reward posted to capture arsonists Special to the Avalanche Open weekend set at Sheffield site Special to the Avalanche Claytie honored by Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation Special to the Avalanche 1.4 million pounds recycled in Alpine Special to the Avalanche Tourism group to spend $2.3 million Special to the Avalanche The Alpine Humane Society presented certificates Tuesday to two local women, honoring both for contributions to the organization and to the well-being of animals. Sully students on cacti project Thanks to a Welch Foundation grant, four Sul Ross State University students are participating in an undergraduate research project on cacti. Biology grad students present their papers Special to the Avalanche Special to the Avalanche District Court |
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