"Let there be Light"

"Ancient Oil Lamps from the Middle East" is the new temporary exhibit officially opening at the Alvin Historial Museum on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The exhibit features oil lamps, dating from between 2000 BC and 1000 AD, from the private collection of Richard and Linda Klapper. The Klappers travel extensively and have lamps from the Middle East, including Israel and Egypt. This is an exhibit you will not want to miss.

The exhibit will be on display through February 2010. The Alvin Historical Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays and the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00.

Please note that the museum will be closed for the holidays on December 19 and reopen January 7, 2010.

Wrenches & More Wrenches

"Vintage and Antique Tools" is the new temporary exhibit at the Alvin Historical Museum. This interesting display is from the private collection of Alvin resident, Noel Hankamer. Noel says that he's been a "tool freak since 1966." His father was a builder and Noel was interested in his carpentry tools which eventually led to his curiosity about vintage and antique tools. His main focus is on adjustable screw wrenches -- "monkey wrench" to the lay person.

Not only does Noel collect, but he also sells tools. Visit his impressive website at www.papawswrench.com. Noel's collection will be on display at the museum through September 30, 2009.

The Alvin Historical Museum and Gift Shop, located at 300 W. Sealy, Alvin, Texas, are open on Thursdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

And the Winner Is!

Tara Hart of Alvin had the lucky ticket in the raffle drawing held on April 30. She is the winner of an original watercolor by Alvin artist Donna Rae Harris. Ms. Harris donated her painting, "Patriotism." It was part of the Museum's temporary exhibit of Ms. Harris' mixed media artworks.

Congratulations to Tara and many thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit the Alvin Historical Museum. A new temporary exhibit will open next month.

"Patriotism" by Donna Rae Harris

The temporary exhibit at the Museum is a collection of mixed media artworks by retired art instructor, Donna Rae Harris. Ms. Harris is very talented and creates many unique and unusual types of art. Her exhibit closes the end of April. Make plans now to visit the Museum and see her display.

Donna Rae graciously donated an original watercolor for a raffle benefiting the Museum. Entitled "Patriotism" it is on display at the Museum. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. Tickets are available at the Museum, the Cottage Museum and from several museum society volunteers. Drawing will be April 29, 2009.

The Alvin Historical Museum is located at 300 W. Sealy and open Thursdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Recognition Reception

In recognition of the exhibitors who have shared their collections with us, the Alvin Museum Society is hosting an appreciation reception on Saturday, January 24, 2009, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Alvin Historical Museum, 300 West Sealy.

Presently on display in the museum is mixed media art work by retired art instructor, Donna Rae Harris. Past exhibitors include Arthur Pryor, photographer, Kathleen Holton, vintage camera collector, and Dr. Rodney Allbright, avid collector of 1950s toys and Indiana Jones memorabilia.

The public is invited to attend the reception and show their appreciation to our local citizens for sharing their collections with us. Admission is free.

Donna Rae Harris has donated a painting as a raffle item. Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00 and may be purchased at the museusm. Drawing will be on April 30, 2009, at the end of her exhibit showing.

Museum Reopens after Ike

The Alvin Historical Museum didn't suffer any significant damage from Hurricane Ike's visit. However, much of Alvin did from strong, sustained winds. The Museum was closed for the month of September, but is now open and looking forward to visitors. The Indian Jones exhibit is ongoing. This is a pristine collection of 1950s memorabilia from Dr. Rodney Allbright. If you haven't seen it, make plans to visit soon. The Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and first Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Indiana Jones Visits Museum

"Indiana Jones and Toys of the 1950s" are on display at the Alvin Historical Museum. This is a new, temporary exhibit that just opened and will be on display for about three months.



Much of the exhibit is part of a collection owned by Dr. Rodney Allbright, President of Alvin Community College. His collection is very extensive and includes a Lord of the Rings Trilogy Leather Journal, Dr. Henry Jones' 1912 Grail Diary, Indiana Jones Desert Convoy Truck, and a Dracula Ring along with toys, Coca Cola items, custom knives, Disney memorabilia, movie onesheets, lobby cards and more.



Dr. Allbright's collection is in pristine condition and many of the toys are in their original boxes.

Located in the old Alvin post office building at 300 W. Sealy, the Alvin Historical Museum is open every Thursday and Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is $3.00 for adults and children over the age of 12.