FORT DAVIS, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The ribbon cutting for The Old Sheriffs Museum and Research Center means it is officially open to the public!

According to leaders with the center, “The Old Sheriffs Museum and Research Center came about because Carl C. Williams, a retired Brewster County Sheriff, and his friend Ben Medley, the son of past Jeff Davis County Sheriff Wilbur Medley, wanted to honor the history of law enforcement in this area of West Texas. Since the sheriffs out here cover large swaths of land and work with the small, local communities, they see and do a lot.”

They went on to say, “We recognize that in the early years, the law enforcement was set up to protect settler families and not the Indigenous peoples in the area, due in great part to how laws were made and who the laws were made for. Several early sheriffs were Texas Rangers at some point in their careers, and we are also aware of the historical abuses of the Mexican communities along the border in those years. Not all these stories are easy to research nor tell, but we’re trying.”

There’s a lot of historical information provided on each sheriff with their biography of found information. Part of the reason behind the research center is to allow the families to share their histories and information, and those will be updated accordingly. Several families have already come forward with new information on their ancestors. There is a small section for sheriffs and deputies killed in the line of duty as well.

Beginning in July, several artifacts will be on display within the jail cells, such as handcuffs, badges, and guns (disabled for display). 

The city and all of West Texas are excited now that the museum is officially open.

You can visit the Museum and Research Center at 102 W Woodward Avenue.