Williamson County Commissioners Court Approve $100,000 Earmark For African American Museum

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The Williamson County Commissioners Court last week approved an agreement to give $100,000 toward the restoration of a historic center in the city of Taylor.

The earmark from the Williamson County Landfill Community Recreational Facility Fund will go toward the restoration of the Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center in Taylor, work being headed by the Blackshear/O.L. Price Ex-Student Association of Taylor.

The museum is the former home of Dr. James Dickey, a pioneer in the areas of wellness, recreation, community and diversity among the African-American community in Taylor, Texas, in the mid-1900s. Dr. Dickey was named Man of the Year in 1952 by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce. The Dickey House, located at E. Fifth and Murphy streets, was approved for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in September 2016, officials said.

"The Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center will provide information about African-Americans and the contributions they made to the city of Taylor and the United States," officials said. "It also will serve as a resource to teach African-American history through interactive and engaging exhibits."

The master site plan includes theater space, a meeting room, a wellness center, mediation area, playscape, basketball courts, and a trail surrounding the museum that will connect to the city’s hike and bike trail, officials said. Parking will be available on properties adjacent to the house. The total cost of $508,000 for the project that had a groundbreaking January of last year.

The Williamson County Community Recreational Facility Fund provides funding for construction, improvement or remodel of community recreational facilities in Williamson County.

>>> Image via Shutterstock