The Hill County Cell Block Museum officially reopened to the public Saturday, June 14, with a ribbon cutting and recognition of the past and present board members, volunteers and county officials who contributed to its renovation.
Board President Conley Perry reflected on the journey to restore the landmark, describing the transformation as “nothing short of a miracle.” He recalled the board’s decision in February to reopen the museum in June, despite the extensive repairs and displaced artifacts that made the goal seem out of reach.
“I have stood in amazement at what I’ve seen happen to this building the last three months,” Perry said. He praised the dedication of the museum’s volunteers, who worked tirelessly and often went home drenched in sweat, to bring the building to what he called the best shape it’s ever been in. “They’re proud of their heritage in Hill County, and they want to share it, making sure those who come after us can see what a wonderful county we have,” he added.
While acknowledging there’s still work to do, Perry credited the unwavering commitment of the board and community for making the reopening a reality.
He introduced current board members Rick Pinner of Aquilla, Edward Sumrall of Bynum, Barbara Robinson of Hillsboro, Brenda White of Hillsboro, Paula Milburn of Peoria, Tony Quintana of Hillsboro, Beverly Gerke of Hillsboro, Jay Jolly of Hillsboro, Roy Barrett of Bynum, Ronny Smith of Brandon and Rosemary Smith of Hillsboro.
Sheriff Hunter Barnes said that he was honored to bring his administrative staff through the museum recently and said it is important for the public to visit the museum. “It’s an honor to be here, and I support this facility and the work these people are doing 100 percent,” said the sheriff.
Hill County Judge Shane Brassell reflected on the museum’s reopening, recalling his many visits to the building over the years in various county roles. “I’ve seen it in some sad states,” he said, “but standing on the porch today feels like being in the presence of a historical giant.”
Once a place of confinement that held inmates, Brassell noted the building now holds something far more meaningful: the stories, grit and character of Hill County. “When we protect these places, we protect our history,” he said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the county to everyone involved in the restoration. “I pray that it stands for generations — not as a place of confinement, but as a place of connection with our history.”
District Judge Justin Lewis, who served as county judge during much of the restoration effort, recalled volunteers approaching the county about the work the building needed in the years after the county turned it over to the board in 1983. He credited former board president Judge Bob McGregor and other volunteers with explaining the significance of the museum to the Hill County Commissioners Court.
“This contains the history of our community, and it’s much more than that,” said Lewis. “It’s the stories of lives lived, the stories of lives that were lost, and it’s important to my children and their children to understand what brought us to where we’re at today. To all of you who have put time and trouble into this building over the years and have done so much for so little for so long, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Judge McGregor thanked the current board members, including Perry and Executive Director Brenda White, for their hard work, as well as Lewis and Brassell for their support. He said that he had been in contact with the granddaughter of architect W.C. Dodson, who also designed the Hill County Courthouse, and she was grateful to Hill County for recognizing her grandfather’s work.
“You may go through this and think it’s very primitive, but this was a Cadillac in its day,” McGregor said, adding that the first jail in Hill County was a “hole in the ground towards Peoria” where prisoners entered by ladder. “This was a major effort in 1893 when this building was built by the citizens of Hill County.”
McGregor spoke about the historical significance of the site, telling those gathered for the ribbon cutting that Clyde Barrow escaped from the jail where they were standing.
White said that the museum is still a work in progress, and visitors will see more changes in the future. “The reason we are here today is we are standing on the shoulders of historical giants — people who had the vision to think about this building and make it into a museum,” she said.
Hill County Museum, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation supported by gifts, donations, memorials, fundraising, memberships and grants. Annual membership dues are $5 for students, $25 for individuals, $35 for families and $100 for contributors. Gifts may be mailed to P.O. Box 555, Hillsboro, Texas 76645.
The Hill County Cell Block Museum is open to the public every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., April through October, and by special arrangement. Admission is free.
The museum is located one block north of the Hill County Courthouse on Waco Street.
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