Fort McKavett State Historic Site
1856
Menard County, Texas
National Register of Historic Places
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
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Key Museum Issues
• Reconsider the current interpretive period to include the 20th C. “Town Era”
• Expand the site interpretation to include additional extant site structures
• Broaden the visitor demographic so that more people are exposed to the Fort’s history
• Increase the programming scope so that the site is used in new and different ways
• Update the existing exhibit and add site signage to enhance visitors’ understanding of the Fort’s role in Texas and American history
• Recommend site modifications to improve the accurate portrayal of the Fort’s 19th C. appearance and function
The remnants of this 150-year old frontier fort have been open to visitors since the 1970’s, when the site was initially administered by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. A concurrent stabilization and restoration project was the first effort to install exhibits and signage in the buildings. Many of these early interpretive elements are still in use today. The Texas Historical Commission acquired the site in 2008 and contracted with History Behind the Scenes to develop a Master Interpretive Plan that will expand and reconsider how the Fort is presented to visitors. Volz & Associates, as part of the HBTS team, provided decorative arts and collection analysis for the new Interpretive Plan.