June 13, 2017 (Williamson County, TX) – The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved an agreement last week to give $100,000 from the Williamson County Landfill Community Recreational Facility Fund for the restoration of the Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center in Taylor, Texas. The restoration project is headed by the Blackshear/O.L. Price Ex-Student Association of Taylor.
The museum is the former home of Dr. James Dickey, a pioneer in the areas of wellness, recreation, community and diversity among the African-American community in Taylor, Texas, in the mid-1900s. He was named Man of the Year in 1952 by the Taylor Chamber of Commerce. The Dickey House, located at E. Fifth and Murphy streets, was approved for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in September 2016.
The Dickey Museum and Multipurpose Center will provide information about African-Americans and the contributions they made to the City of Taylor and the United Stated. It also will serve as a resource to teach African-American history through interactive and engaging exhibits. The master site plan includes theater space, a meeting room, a wellness center, mediation area, playscape, basketball courts, and a trail surrounding the museum that will connect to the city’s hike and bike trail. Parking will be available on properties adjacent to the house. The total cost of the project is $508,000. The project groundbreaking was held on January 23, 2016.
The Williamson County Community Recreational Facility Fund provides funding for construction, improvement or remodel of community recreational facilities in Williamson County.