Welcome to the W. K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas!

The W.K. Gordon Center offers several educational programs to school, home school groups and community groups. We would like you to consider a visit to the W.K. Gordon Center as a valuable supplement to enhance your students’ knowledge about Texas history and culture. The museum exhibits highlight life, culture and industry of Thurber, Texas. Once a town of 10,000, Thurber now is one of Texas’s most famous ghost towns!

At the museum, students will get a taste of life in a 19th' and 20th' century town through dynamic, interactive activities and unique artifacts. Exhibits answer questions such as: What was it like mining underground? What did people do for fun? Where did they shop and what did they buy?

Avaliable Programs:

Programs are designed for 4^th and 7^th grade levels. However, they can be adapted for other age groups. Post visit activities and suggestions are available.

Scavenger Hunt: Students will explore all areas of Thurber through a short video and a hands-on scavenger hunt through the museum. They will get to read, touch, push buttons, listen and explore the museum to find answers about what life was like for the immigrant coal miners and brick workers of a company-owned town.

Cultures of Thurber: Students will be history detectives and use primary sources to follow an immigrants journey to Thurber. They will learn about the many different people and groups that came to Thurber. Program includes a presentation and interactive activities about the reasons and ways immigrants came to Thurber. Students will then be able to view a short video and explore through the museum exhibits.

 Self-Guided Tour: Teachers can guide students through the museum exhibits with their own curriculum in mind. The Gordon Center Education department will be more than happy to discuss appropriate activities for any grade level or class.

Field Trip Information and How To Schedule

Lauren Giffin, Museum Assistant, handles all tour bookings. She can be reached at (254) 968-1886 or giffin@tarleton.edu

Field trips must be scheduled during operating hours and at least two weeks in advance.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 4:00 Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 Closed Monday

• Admission is $2 per student. All teachers and chaperones receive free admission. One adult required per 20 students.
• We gladly accept cash, check and credit cards. We request one payment for entire group upon arrival.
• Reserve about 1 to 1 ½ hours for your visit.
• Bus parking is available and the center is disabled accessible.
• One adult chaperone required per 20 students.

Community Outreach

W.K. Gordon Center Presentations: The W.K. Gordon Center offers community presentations. If you would like to schedule for a WK Gordon Center staff member to speak at your meeting, event, community/senior center, etc., please contact 254-968-1886. Advance notice is required.

Traveling Exhibits

OIL 150: For schools within a 40 mile radius. This is a free traveling exhibit on the oil industry in the United States and Texas. The exhibit is both science and history focused. It includes a DVD and CD, replica artifacts, historical photographs, experiments and educational handouts. This activity hits major areas in both science and social studies TEKS. May rent for up to one week and the Gordon Center will handle drop off and pick up.