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Pictured is Scurry County Museum Director Daniel Schlegel Jr. in the museum’s permanent gallery. A reception for Schlegel, who accepted a position as museum operations manager position at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday at the museum.
It’s the end of an era at the Scurry County Museum where Museum Director Daniel Schlegel Jr. is finishing up eight years of service.
Schlegel announced in January that he accepted a museum operations manager position at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum.
“He’s been an unbelievable asset to Scurry County Museum, and he’s really integrated the museum into the community,” museum board president Lynn Fuller said. “Our goal at the museum is to preserve the history of Scurry County, and Daniel has done that very well. One of his main things is the involvement in the community, and that has really put us on the map.”
As Schlegel transitions out of Scurry County, a search is currently underway for his replacement.
“We’ve just started to put out the job description and don’t want to rush into finding just anyone,” Fuller said. “We’re very confident in the staff that we currently have at the museum, and we’re confident that they can maintain the museum as we search for another director.”
Though Schlegel is moving on to new opportunities, his impact on Scurry County will remain evident by the strides and connections he made.
“His announcement to move on did catch me off guard, but I have caught myself reflecting on his departure with happiness at the prospect of all that comes with a new position,” Scurry County Historical Commission Vice Chairperson Paula Hatfield said. “I knew it would happen someday, but his leaving will truly leave a void in my heart. I am so happy he came into my life, my museum and my community.”
Museum board member Drew Bullard agreed that Schlegel’s time here has made a positive impact.
“I think Daniel has really integrated the museum into the community and made it a part of its conscience,” he said. “He always promoted the museum and promoted it on a bigger scale by going to conferences and putting us on the map.”
Not only has Schlegel promoted the museum externally, but internally, Bullard said.
“He’s been very professional in preserving our history and uses museum-standard practices and organization with our artifacts,” he said. “He put on a lot of exhibits that the community was interested in and brought in numbers that we have never seen before. He has been great for the museum.”
Museum board member Brooke Proctor is also pleased with Schlegel’s impact at the museum.
“His drive and determination put the museum where it is today, which is a wonderful place,” she said. “He became a friend to so many people in Scurry County, and he is well-liked and respected by many.”
Schlegel was mutually appreciative of the museum board.
“It’s amazing how the board has shifted over the years,” he said. “They are community-oriented and engaged. The board members show support for this museum, and that means a lot to the community.”
Above all, Schlegel said he will miss West Texas and the people.
“When I came here, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” he said. “Just the people here were so genuine. They had no idea who this guy was, but they were the nicest people and would turn around and chat with me like they had known me for years. ”
During his journey, Schlegel was able to see many connections to the museum artifacts.
“I’ve grown quite a lot during my time here — especially in dealing with people and learning their stories,” he said. “Even though we’re dealing with history, we’re still in a relevant place in the community. We’ll have people come in all the time, and it’s so great to see these people’s excitement when they come in and see that we’ve taken care of their family heirlooms. It’s something that you can’t describe, that feeling.”
Not only has Schlegel connected with the community, but he has enjoyed putting on exhibits for them.
“One of my favorite exhibits that we did was our Texas justice exhibit,” he said. “We had two crime scenes set up in the lobby, one was kid-based and one was more difficult. Law enforcement agencies kept coming in to see the exhibit, and it was neat because they would all come in and interact and be laid-back and relaxed.”
Another of Schlegel’s favorite exhibits was School Days.
“The School Days exhibit was done by our current curator Laurel Lamb,” he said. “That one was so much fun because everything she pulled together for it was so inviting.”
As Schlegel prepares for his next endeavor, he leaves Scurry County with much gratitude.
“I’m lucky that Scurry County embraced me and treated me so well,” he said. “Their kindness taught me how to be an even better person, and I’m so humbled by all of the support from the community.”
A going-away reception will be held Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the museum. The event will include remarks at 6 p.m. and refreshments will be served.