The Frontier Times Museum has been nominated for a USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Award recognizing the best small-town museums in the United States.
The Bandera museum, which has preserved artifacts and stories of the American West for more than 90 years, is one of 20 nominees selected by a panel of travel writers and tourism experts.
USA Today said small-town museums often provide “a unique perspective on the history, culture, and identity of a place,” highlighting local culture and history that might otherwise be overlooked.
Founded by J. Marvin Hunter Sr., a newspaper writer and amateur historian who launched Frontier Times magazine in 1910, the museum grew from Hunter’s personal collection of frontier stories and artifacts sent in by readers across the country.
Today, the museum houses cowboy memorabilia, Native American artifacts and a range of unusual historical items, including a 2,000-year-old corn cob, a two-faced goat, a medieval birthing chair, the first piano brought to Bandera from Paris and preserved oil samples.
Museum Manager Kimberly Miles said the nomination is an honor for both the museum and the community.
“We’ve been selected as one of the 10 best small-town museums in America, which is incredibly exciting for us,” Miles said. “We’d love to take the top spot, and we’re asking the community to support us by voting.”
Miles said residents and local businesses are encouraged to share information about the contest and help spread the word.
“Every vote truly makes a difference,” she said.
Voting is open daily through Feb. 9 at 10best. usatoday.com/awards/ best-small-town-museum. Winners will be announced Feb. 18.
The museum is located at 510 13th St. in Bandera.
.png)
