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2023 Hillsboro Cellblock Museum(1893)155 WEB.jpg

About Us

Hill County Museum, Inc.

also known as the "Hill County Cell Block Museum"

or simply "Cell Block Museum"

is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation supported by gifts, donations, memorials, fundraising, memberships, and grants. 

What we do

At the Hill County Cell Block Museum, our goal is to preserve and showcase the heritage of our region with particular focus on the intersection of criminal justice and Hill County history. We believe that by understanding our past, we can better appreciate our present and shape our future. Our efforts are currently focused on fundraising and advocating for the rehabilitation of the Historic County Jail. We are committed to restoring this treasured building to its former glory, and we are preparing for a future in which we will continue a long tradition of educational programs and exhibits within these hallowed walls.  

Mission

The mission of the Hill County Cell Block Museum is to represent the rich history of Hill County, Texas and present its stories to visitors, scholars, and the greater Hill County community.

Vision

The Hill County Museum will collect, preserve, display, and interpret the physical and cultural artifacts that preserve the stories of Hill County, Texas and will lead through innovative programs, high-quality exhibits, and engaging events for the betterment of our community.

Interpretive Scope

The Hill County Cell Block Museum will interpret the history of Hill County from its founding in 1853 to the present, with a focus on the pivotal years of 1861 to 1961. This history will be interpreted through its physcial campus (the 1893 historic jail and Peoria Cumberland Presbyterian Church) as well as its physical collections, exhibits, and programming. Interpretive efforts from the museum will draw their facts and inspiration from the items and resources in its collections and will strive to represent the full picture of Hill County history, including stories from diverse backgrounds and non-dominant cultural groups, and fully and respectfully exploring difficult topics where appropriate to the overall themes of the museum. 

Who we are

Executive Board

  • Bob McGregor - Board President

  • Margaret McKowen - Vice President, Chair of Building and Grounds Committee

  • Brenda White - Secretary

  • Jay Jolly - Finance Officer, Chair of Finance Committee

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Board Members 

  • Rosemary Smith, Chair of Membership Committee

  • Karen Smith, Chair of Fundraising Committee

  • Gabby Smith, Chair of Marketing and Public Relations Committee

  • Dee Nichols

  • Rick Pinner

  • Barbara Robinson

  • Ed Summrall

  • Brooke Thompson

  • Rhonda Burkhart

  • Justin Derington

  • VACANT

 

Volunteer Staff

  • VACANT - Museum Director

  • Allyson Cliett - Museum Curator, Chair of Collections Committee

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