Written by Holly Carr, Staff Writer
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor students may know of the Bell County Museum as a small aspect of downtown Belton, this building holds more than historical artifacts and stories, however. The Bell County museum is a key piece in our local community.
Located at 201 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513, Belton’s quaint museum did not begin as such, and was formerly The Belton Carnegie Library, which began its legacy in 1899.
The Belton Carnegie Library began through the Belton Women's Wednesday Clubs grant request, in which they used such to build a library. Many years later, in 1975 the Belton Carnegie Library became what we know today as the Bell County Museum.
“Theres always something going on” Mikaela Young, Curator of Collections, said. “come back to see us regularly, to see it all”
The Bell County Museum has many permanent exhibitions, With over 12,000 objects held within its collection. Young stating one of her favorite exhibitions being the largest publicly held collection of mustache teacups within the United States.
Alongside the permanent exhibitions, an average of four new temporary exhibits are rotated through the museum per year. As of Oct. 4, The Locals, Legends & Legacy exhibit is now open to the public through mid-February 2026. This exhibition is currently holding a large range of collection of historical documents, portraits and artifacts donated from around Bell County.
The Bell County Museum hosts a wide array of events for people interested in assisting in the community, every year the museum accepts volunteers, of which each participant must be 13 years or older.
“I love the impact of the Bell County Museum on our communities,” Young said.
Students who are not interested in volunteering but enjoy history, or need something to do on a weekend in town, can participate in events held by the museum; such as the Night at the Museum, Historic Escapes, Spring Lecture Series Dia de los Muertos and many more.
During weekdays for UMHB students, the Bell County museum is open from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m. on weekdays; students can take advantage of the quiet atmosphere to wind down after or between classes. The Bell County Museum event calendar is available on their website www.bellcountymuseum.org and further events are posted to the BCM Facebook.
“Directing the Bell County Museum is the best job in the world. We have so much support from the community, Bell County, Board of Trustees, volunteers. I love coming to work every day.” Coleman Hampton , Executive Director of the Belton Museum stated.
