Historical Society urges DEDC to restore partnership and funding for Dickinson Railroad Museum

Members of the Dickinson Historical Society used the public-comment portion of the meeting to press the Economic Development Corporation to renew its partnership and financial support for the Dickinson Railroad Museum.

Margaret Kearney, who said she has lived in Dickinson for nearly 50 years, and Ivan Lankford, who identified himself as president of the Dickinson Historical Society, described the depot's history and the society's efforts to restore and operate the railroad center. Lankford said the historical society and community partners had pursued a grant for $1,100,000 to restore the depots and that the historical society raised more than $200,000 in matching funds and in-kind contributions. He said the DEDC previously contributed about $250,000 toward the railroad center and agreed to pay ongoing maintenance and operation costs, including staffing, during the facility's period of public operation.

Speakers said Hurricane Harvey contributed to the site's decline and that the center is not currently open to the public. They said immediate needs include replacement of the air-conditioning system and resources to staff the site. "We have no air conditioning. We can't staff the place," Lankford said. The historical society requested that the DEDC reconsider a renewed partnership to make the depot a viable museum and community attraction.

Board members did not take action at the meeting on the request. Following public comment, the board moved to executive session. Several historical society volunteers remained after the meeting to speak informally with board members and staff.