In the perennial holiday favorite, “Meet Me In St. Louis,” Judy Garland exclaims in the ending scene about the World’s Fair being in St. Louis, “I can’t believe it, right here where we live.” The same could be said about Cuero when it comes to museums, Cuero can boast of four unique venues.
During the Christmas holidays, families are invited to visit one of these “in your own backyard” museums. The museums include: The Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas, Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Cuero Heritage Museum and the DeWitt County Historical Museum. All museums will be open except the Dewitt County Historical Museum which is currently under an extensive renovation.
The pharmacy museum, located in an historic building in downtown Cuero, has several surprises this year. “We are celebrating the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Amber Fitts-Jones, manager of the pharmacy and city museums, said. She said that the movie would be celebrating its 80th anniversary next year. Along with displays highlighting the movie, families can participate in a museum specific scavenger hunt.
The museum, located at 114 East Main, will be open regular hours during the Christmas break. It will be closed Christmas Eve, day, and New Year’s Eve and day. Admission is free with donations accepted. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “
“Our gift shop is open as well if you are looking for a special gift,” Fitts-Jones added.
Just around the corner at 124 East Church is the Cuero Heritage Museum. Housed in the old Federal Building and Post Office built in 1915. Hours are also Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed Christmas day, eve and new year’s eve and day.
“Along with a scavenger hunt, children may enjoy the special antique bank display,” Fitts-Jones said. She added that admission is free and donations are welcome.
If cowboys, gunfighters and ranching is of interest, the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum is another option. Along with a scavenger hunt, children can drop off their letters to Santa.
“If they come by and drop the letter off during business hours, they will also get a gift,” Julia Stafford, marketing and development manager said.
Located at 302 North Esplanade, the museum boasts a comprehensive property, which patrons can stroll about. The museum will be closed December 2426 and New Year’s Eve and Day. It will be open regular hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a,.m. to 4:30 p.m. The museum also has a gift shop for purchasing Christmas presents.
“We have free admission through December from an HEB grant,” Stafford said. She added that of special interest right now was the Frank Klein “Life on a Fence” exhibit that features a closeup look at all manner of insects, birds and bugs.
The DeWitt County Historical Museum is currently closed. The century-old-plus Indianola home is being renovated for preservation. “We look forward to our re-opening in the Spring,” Dianna Bartosh, board president said. She added that after the county, the architects, historical commission and museum board do an approval process, the board can get busy putting things back in order.
“If you are looking for something to entertain as well as educate your children during the Christmas break, then look no further than your own hometown where we have such delightful places to visit,” Janis Ford, board member of the De-Witt County Historical museum said.
Editor’s Note: Sally Rodgers-Spencer is a member of the DeWitt County Historicsl Museum’s Board of Directors.
