The Black Family, AND Black individuals, have shaped and led Williamson County in innumerable ways. Enslaved peoples and their descendants settled this county, represented Wilco in wars,
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treated THE ill, and led us to a brighter future. The Black Family contains a multitude of accomplishments and generational legacies of excellence.
The Williamson Museum is a regal building and home to many relics and remembrances of Williamson County’s history. Inside, visitors can peruse artifacts from across the years; and pictures, paintings, and signs fill every space on the walls. Now, in the living history area of the museum, rests the Heritage and Horizons: The Black Legacy of Williamson County exhibit.
Originally instituted in February 2021, the Heritage and Horizons exhibit showcases the legacy of Black history in and around Williamson County. Civil rights leaders, physicians, philanthropists, and many more called Williamson County home. This free exhibit will be open to the public February 10 through August 31.
DISCOVER THE STORIES
From internationally-known historical figures to exciting local pioneers, this exhibit takes visitors through time as they get to know the rich history of Williamson County through a new lens. Plus, museum curators and volunteers are eager to narrate the history and legacy among the rest of the exhibits.
THE BULLDOGGER: International celebrity and rodeo cowboy Bill Pickett grew up in Liberty Hill. His living descendants reside in Taylor and have kept his legacy alive through the years to enable new generations to celebrate is life. Through photographs and biographies, the exhibit highlights his career as a trick rider and performer, global celebrity status, and his cultural contributions to the area. His family has also assured the museum that Bill’s exhibit may remain open to the public indefinitely.
THE PHYSICIAN-ACTIVIST: In 1922, Dr. James Dickey was one of only 130 Black doctors in Texas. Early in his career he created a dynamic vaccination program that helped control a typhoid fever epidemic. As the only Black doctor in Williamson County, he conducted health campaigns and established a prenatal clinic where expectant mothers who were unable to pay were provided free examinations and advice. In 1952, Dr. Dickey made national news when the Rotary Club of Taylor, based on nominations from every civic and religious organization in town, recognized the contributions of this courageous African American by voting him Citizen of the Year.
In 2021, the museum commissioned a locally sourced mural to showcase Dr. Dickey’s incredible contribution to medicine and civil rights. It is also partnering with residents and family in Taylor to donate the mural to the Dickey Museum and Multi-purpose Center when it opens.
VISIT THE MUSEUM
Curator intern Margaret Taylor explained in an earlier news article, “The strong legacy of many Black families is evident in every part of Williamson County history. Being a part of this community and witnessing history come to life isn’t just educational, it’s gratifying. Visiting this exhibit will bring Black history to your home.”
Another special facet of Heritage & Horizons is its designation as a community exhibit, which means much of what is on display is intimately connected to local residents. While the museum does have many items in archives and storage, nearly every picture and artifact shown was donated by living descendants of those represented in the exposition; their stories, history, and memorabilia are all gifted.
Museum curator Nancy Hill says, “These are the vibrant lives and stories right from the families. We want to be able to tell all the stories in this rich and diverse community.”
For a museum, donations like these bring confidence and assurance that the stories and pictures are not only factual and educational, but personal. So much direct involvement brings the stories off the pages of books and folds it into an experience akin to listening to the tales of neighbors. Nancy is very pleased to have been able to bring it all together for everyone to hear. “This is not just an exhibit for show, we are more like an avenue to pull all these stories together.”
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
At the conclusion of the tour, a wall mural suggests more stories and ways to learn about Williamson County’s Black history. There are several children’s books that discuss the topic, and QR codes that link to local Black foundations and charities. Visitors are encouraged to support the museum and all the organizations working to promote and expand the cultural impact of Black history and its icons with donations or volunteering.
Visit the museum on the Georgetown Square at 716 S. Austin Ave. Wed-Fri 12pm-5pm, and Saturday 10am-5pm.