A lot of new things are afoot in Hardin County. I’ve wanted to explore the history of my northern neighbors for quite some time now, and I found a treasure trove of contacts, historians, and awesome people who love their part of SETX. I was overjoyed to be on hand at the ribbon cutting of the new museum at 830 Maple Street in Kountze, Texas, and I was definitely not alone in the celebration. Many locals pitched up to see just what these determined citizens had established. All I can say is that the Hardin County Genealogical Society and Library (HCGS) has done a fantastic job. I know that loads of hard work went into the creation of this treasured site, which will not only benefit the citizens of Hardin County, but all the people of SETX as well.

The museum is located in the old Hardin County State Bank building, which was built circa 1916. Purchased in 2009 by the HCGS, the building’s renovation was undertaken by its volunteers and funded through donations, grants, and proceeds from book sales. As an aside, I will add that I do love Renée Hart Wells’ book, Hardin County: A Pictorial History. It is one of my favorites in my growing library of SETX authors. It is also one of the books whose sales have funded this project. Mrs. Wells has written a new book, Hardin County: Timeless Treasures, which is also available for purchase at the museum. It will certainly be my next purchase.

The second floor of the museum houses the Hardin County Historical Commission. It has been refurbished and transformed into a grand meeting place for its members.

Overall, the museum is an excellent venue for anyone looking for historic information on Hardin County. The people I met there seemed eager to promote their vast heritage, and I for one place high value on the work they are doing. I look forward with great anticipation to hearing more about the developments in Hardin County and rediscovering this part of SETX.

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I recently visited a museum that is not well known although, if you’re a SETX elementary teacher or student, you may be familiar with it. I visited the Beaumont Police Department’s History Museum, and boy, was I amazed at the range of artifacts, historical photos, and weapons on display at what was once the old Beaumont jail.

It made me think back to the 1970s when I attended school in Port Arthur. As fourth or fifth graders, my classmates and I toured the Port Arthur jail. My only recollection of this was a prisoner, who was probably a frequent visitor, talking to us through the cell bars and telling us that crime doesn’t pay, and we mustn’t allow ourselves to end up in prison. To a young child, this was a definite deterrent, but we never really learned anything of historical value that I can remember. Truth be told, the Port Arthur Police Department may also have a museum and tours, but I have yet to revisit the venue of my juvenile field trip.

My first impression of this Beaumont tour without a doubt was one of amazement at the volume of historical content and artifacts that these slim halls possess. Whether it’s the badges, well-preserved uniforms, or the multiple armaments that criminals have donated over the years, this assortment of crime paraphernalia would make any collector drool.

Another enjoyable display was of the countless mug shots that our not-so-model citizens have generously donated, along with descriptions of the plethora of their crimes. From knob knocking (stealing and then breaking into a safe) and close-line thievery, to even voodoo (presumably not the well-intentioned kind), it was definitely a glimpse into a different time.

My main objective for this trip was to delve into Beaumont’s early history of law enforcement, and as I’ve already said, the Beaumont officials have done a wonderful job of bringing the past to life. As you take the tour, there is much to absorb. There is a lot of personal history about officers long since passed, who in their humble way made a difference in the community.

In my opinion, this is a must-see for anyone with a desire for knowledge about local history, and I for one will return to take a more extensive look at those officers whose stories I believe need to be told.