Some corners of our historical archives deserve a category of their own, set apart from the vastness of our collections of books & periodicals, manuscripts or photographs. These special-interest sections offer a wealth of knowledge for those seeking specific information. Our special collections include:
Maps: printed and manuscript maps provide a wealth of detail on the geography of the region, documenting natural and man-made features. Maps range from detailed surveys of small tracts of land to city, county, state and regional maps.
Oral histories: since its inception, the museum has gathered first-hand accounts of regional life, often with the assistance of students from West Texas A&M University. Oral histories cover a range of subjects and are maintained in the form of audio and video recordings, transcripts, and summaries.
Windmill trade literature collection: catalogs, manuals, and advertising material representing dozens of windmill companies provide valuable information on this indispensable component of agriculture on the arid high plains.
Western trade literature collection: printed material on all aspects of Western life, from hardware to clothing.
Barbed wire patent records: the development of barbed wire, a technological advance with profound effects on the plains ranching industry, can be traced through copies of patent records.