As Levelland celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Wallace Theater is asking Hockley County residents to help tell the story of the community through handmade creations, family heirlooms, and treasured artifacts for its sixth annual Pop-up Museum.
Presented in conjunction with the Levelland Centennial; Hockley County Historical Commission; and Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This year's exhibit, Locally Made: A History of West Texas Creativity (1920s-2020s), will be on display June 24 through July 24 at the Wallace Theater.
The museum will showcase items that reflect everyday life, work, creativity, and celebrations across a century of West Texas history. Community members are encouraged to loan items that are handmade, modified, preserved, or passed down through generations.
Wallace Theater Executive Director Alycyn Keeling said, 'History is not only found in museums and textbooks. It lives in our homes, our family traditions, and the objects we choose to keep. We are excited to display meaningful handmade items and the stories behind them so we can celebrate the rich tapestry of family history that connects us all.'
Wallace Education Advisor Cathie McMahan added, 'Often, it's the simplest objects that bring memories rushing back. They can warm your heart, make you smile, or even spark laughter as you remember family traditions, special milestones, and the people you love most.'
Levelland resident and pop-up museum supporter, Richard Ellis, added, 'The pop-ups relating to historical events and eras allow for an older generation to bring a younger generation and tell stories.'
The Wallace is asking for loaned artifacts in four categories: -Handmade for the Home – Quilts, embroidery, hand-sewn garments, handmade furniture, decorative woodwork, pottery, ceramics, family recipes, and cookbooks.
-Making a Living – Agricultural innovations, cotton- or oil-related tools, handmade or modified work equipment, and other items that reflect the ingenuity of local workers.
-Art for Art's Sake – Paintings, drawings, folk art, student artwork, and performance costumes from schools, churches, or community groups.
-Made for Special Moments – Wedding and quinceañera dresses, baptism gowns, handcrafted holiday decorations, scrapbooks, memory books, and other keepsakes tied to family traditions and celebrations.
Residents interested in contributing items should email Cathie McMahan at Cathie@WallaceTheater.com by June 15 to arrange dropoff dates and times or contact the Wallace Theater at (806) 523-8773.
All items will be loaned to the Wallace Theater for the duration of the exhibition and returned following the museum's conclusion on July 24.