STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Santa is coming to Tarleton State University’s W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center on Sunday, Dec. 10. Children and their adults are invited for cookies and photos with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. 

While Santa is busy hearing each child’s Christmas wishes, guests can explore the museum’s newest exhibit, “Looking Back at Toys,” a glimpse at the origins and histories of toys, board games, playing cards, electric trains, dolls, Teddy Bears, Tinkertoys and more. 

On display will be modern toys that have been adapted from ancient versions and others that were developed in the United States beginning in the late 1800s.

The W.K. Gordon Museum and Research Center is at 65258 Interstate 20, Exit 367, in Mingus and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. The combined museum and special collections library is located at the site of the Thurber ghost town. Visitors enjoy interactive exhibits that explore the birth, operations and slow fade of the town owned by the Texas and Pacific Coal Co.

For more information, call 254-968-1886, email [email protected] or visit www.tarleton.edu/gordoncenter.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.