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Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Temporarily Closed Due to Safety Issues

The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM), located on the campus of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, is currently closed to the public on an indefinite basis. This decision comes in response to fire and life safety concerns identified during a recent inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

West Texas A&M University’s President Walter V. Wendler announced the immediate closure, highlighting that the inspection revealed significant and persistent safety challenges associated with the museum’s facilities. “We cannot ignore the seriousness of the fire and life safety risks posed by the existing museum buildings,” Wendler stated. He emphasized that efforts to address these challenges have been ongoing but that a feasible solution has not yet been reached.

Chuck Allen, the assistant state fire marshal, noted that these violations create substantial safety hazards that need to be addressed in a timely manner. “We have discussed the ongoing violations with President Wendler, and his decision to close the museum aligns with our recommendations to ensure safety,” Allen said.

While some of the fire marshal’s concerns have already been mitigated, others—such as the installation of sprinkler systems, the removal of dead-end hallways, and guaranteed accessible exits—will require considerable funding and renovations. The museum, which has been a cornerstone of the West Texas community since its opening in the 1930s, has served residents and visitors as a cultural and educational institution for nearly a century.

Heather Friemel, the interim executive director of the Cultural Foundation of the Texas Panhandle (CFTP), which manages the museum under the university’s administration, expressed the staff’s dedication to promptly addressing immediate concerns. “The museum staff has worked tirelessly to resolve issues that can be quickly addressed,” she stated.

Renovations to bring the museum up to fire and life safety codes are projected to cost around $100 million. In an effort to address these challenges comprehensively, WT has engaged an engineering firm to develop solutions for the identified issues.

Despite the closure, Friemel reassured that the museum’s educational mission remains a priority. The museum will continue to facilitate outreach programs, such as a portable planetarium and educational kits for K-12 students, ensuring that these resources are still available to the community.

Since assuming his role in 2016, Wendler has actively worked to resolve the museum’s issues and secure additional state support. Recently, he obtained funding for a feasibility study aimed at exploring the construction of a new museum building, with costs estimated to reach up to $150 million.

This study, undertaken by DLR Group and Gallagher & Associates, has highlighted significant areas needing improvement, including fire safety measures, artifact preservation, and the overall visitor experience. The proposals include maintaining Pioneer Hall, which holds historical significance, while creating modern facilities to better serve the public.

“The safety of our visitors, staff, and our collections is our top priority,” Wendler remarked, reaffirming his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to preserve this integral part of Texas history.

Since its establishment, the museum has amassed a collection of over 2 million artifacts, serving as a vital educational resource in the region. Mark Bivins, chair of the CFTP, reiterated the importance of preserving this valuable institution. “President Wendler and I will continue to seek support and raise awareness about the need to safeguard Texas’ largest historical collection,” he stated.

Notably, the museum has not undergone a significant renovation since 1983, highlighting the urgency of addressing the current safety challenges.

This is an evolving story; further updates will be provided as new information arises.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: PPHM closed until further notice for fire marshal’s safety concerns

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