Wallace Theater sets annual popup museum

The Wallace Theater will host its 5th Annual Pop-Up Museum throughout the month of July, and feature a Dinner on Thursday, July 10, spotlighting the exhibition “Threads of Change: Women’s Fashion in the 20th Century.” This year’s program features keynote speaker Dr. Marian Ann J. Montgomery, Curator of Clothing and Textiles at the Museum of Texas Tech University.

Dr. Montgomery, a nationally recognized quilt historian and scholar, will present “Blankenship Women’s Clothes: From Mary to Maxine,” a compelling look at the evolution of women’s fashion through the experiences of the Blankenship family. Her presentation will offer insight into the generational shifts in style and the cultural history woven into the garments women wore throughout the 20th century.

Alycyn Keeling, Executive Director of the Wallace Theater, shared, “We’re especially excited that this year’s keynote shines a spotlight on the remarkable women of the Blankenship family. The Blankenships built the Wallace Theater we know and love and created the largest small-town theatre chain in America. This event beautifully weaves together a celebration of their legacy, our local history, and the enduring impact of the Wallace in our community.”

The exhibit and event are presented in partnership with students from Levelland High School’s National History Day Program, Hockley County 4-H, and *Humanities Texas, highlighting an educational collaboration that brings historical research and community storytelling together in a meaningful way.

“We’re proud to bring this pop-up museum back to the Wallace for its fifth year, now in our newly renovated space,” said Cathie McMahan, Education Advisor to the Wallace Theater. “This project has become a powerful way for our community to engage with history, art, and culture, especially in a town without a permanent museum. This year’s theme honors the everyday women of our region whose stories, memories, and style connect us to the past while sparking conversations about how much, and how little, has changed. It’s a celebration of lifelong learning and local storytelling, made possible by years of collaboration with Levelland ISD, South Plains College, Texas Tech, Humanities Texas, and now Hockley County 4-H.”

The community is invited to help kick off the exhibition on, Tuesday, July 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wallace Theater. Light refreshments will be served, and guests will have the opportunity to explore the exhibit and connect with the students and community members who helped bring it to life.

The exhibit showcases clothing and artifacts generously donated on loan by members of our local community. Guests will explore pieces that reflect what women wore to work, school, and special occasions, decade by decade, throughout the 20th century.

The dinner and presentation will be held at the theater on Thursday, July 10, in downtown Levelland. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., and the keynote presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are limited and available for purchase at www.wallacetheater.com/events. Please note: tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged.

Admission to the Threads of Change exhibit is free and open to the public on the following dates: Museum Hours: - July 1: 5:00–7:00 p.m. (Opening Night with Light Refreshments) - July 8: 5:00–7:00 p.m. - July 10: Ticketed Dinner and Keynote Speaker 5:30–7:30 p.m.

- July 12: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - July 14: 12:00–2:00 p.m. - July 16: 5:00–7:00 p.m. - Or by appointment, please contact the Wallace Theater at 806-523-8773 Now in its fifth year, the Wallace Theater’s annual Pop-Up Museum continues to celebrate local history and the arts.

This year’s exhibition offers families a unique opportunity to honor and explore the stories of Hockley County women—our mothers, grandmothers, and trailblazers—who expressed their identities through fashion and personal style.

For more information, visit www.wallacetheater.com/events or contact the theater directly at 806-523-8773.