A CENTURY OF PANTHER HISTORY

by Ann Marie Kennon • photos

New Liberty Hill ISD Museum

In the heart of the community it is named for, Santa Rita Elementary School is home to a new, unique, and inspiring educational experience: the Panther Museum. Inspired by fifth-grade student Slone Williams, the showcase display celebrates local history and empowers young learners to embrace the legacy of more than a century of education in Liberty Hill.

Slone’s dad, Ian, says his son was pondering the empty space in the school’s main lobby and had the idea to create a museum of history. “Slone thought, 'Why don't we add a museum of history, so people can learn about what was in Liberty Hill before this brand new school was started?' ” He adds Slone is normally the “quiet one” but he is very excited he got to help pull it all together and that other people get to see the fun things that happened in history. “He really saw it as a way for everyone to share the space and provide more school unity.”

Coach Gino Peña collaborated with Slone to write a letter to the editor of the local paper to see what kind of interest there might be in creating the museum. Coach Peña says, “It was originally a trophy case, but we are a new elementary school, so we were using it to display students’ artwork for the time being.”

Slone and Coach Peña soon heard from local historian Gary Spivey and his daughter Kandice Wright, who were willing to share items from the family’s treasure trove of historical Liberty Hill items. Often called an unsung hero of Liberty Hill—Mr. Spivey has dedicated his life to serving the community in a variety of ways. Whether through his work as a coach, involvement in church, education, and local politics, or efforts to make the sculpture garden a reality, Mr. Spivey’s affection for the city will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift future generations of community builders and leaders. He has often shared his desire to create a museum with the many stacks of newspapers, photographs, trophies, and more he has collected over his 75 years. “I've been saving all this stuff so people can see the progression of Liberty Hill,” Mr. Spivey said in a previous interview. “To understand the good times and bad times.”

HISTORICAL “TROPHIES”

Exhibits on the district's early schools, including photographs, documents, and artifacts give a fascinating glimpse into what education was like in rural Texas in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries. The museum also features displays on the sports teams, music programs, yearbooks, and other extracurricular activities, as well as its academic achievements and notable alumni. Among the museum's most interesting pieces, Coach Peña adds, is the yearbook in which Mr. Spivey himself was voted Most Popular senior at Liberty Hill High School.

The exhibits are well-organized and informative, and school staff report nearly everyone who passes by spends time gazing in the windows with accompanying ‘oohs' and ‘aahs.’ Visitors come away with a deep appreciation for the growth and triumphs of Liberty Hill ISD, and a better understanding of how education has evolved over the past 140 years. Folks at the ISD say they hope to host different Panther Museums at other campuses—or maybe even rotate them—to share the history of Liberty Hill ISD, so stay tuned!

For student safety and ISD protocol, the museum is not open to the public, but parents and volunteers are welcome to stop and look when they are admitted to the building. However, everyone can get a sneak peek at the museum on Facebook/LibertyHillISD.

Slone and Coach Peña