Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Big Changes Ahead for the Winnsboro Historical Museum

Tucked inside the beautifully restored 1908 Winnsboro Depot, the Winnsboro Historical Museum is a treasured local gem. Operated by the Winnsboro Historical Association, its mission is simple yet vital: to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Winnsboro, passing it on to future generations.

More Room for History

Exciting things are happening behind the scenes. Thanks to recent permission from the City of Winnsboro, the museum now has access to use the entire Depot building. This expansion means more room to showcase the town’s rich history, including items that had previously been in storage or displayed off-site.

New Exhibits

While the museum already features several beloved displays, plans are underway for new exhibits. The museum will be part of an event in August and more information will be announced soon.

A Website for the Future

The museum’s website, winnsborotxmuseum.com, has been rebuilt on a new platform designed for growth. The updated site will now accept online donations and volunteer sign-ups, with even more functionality to come.

“In the next few years,” James Pickering notes, “we hope to have access to a searchable digital database of Winnsboro’s history — including photos, documents, and family stories. That effort is already underway, thanks to the previous work of town historian the late Bill Jones and many dedicated volunteers.”

Become a Donor or Sponsor

As the museum grows, so does its need for community support. A new donation page has been added to the website with expansion into donation levels and packages in the near future.

“There will be several giving levels,” says Pickering, “and we plan to add perks along the way. Supporting the museum means helping a community understand its past and its identity.”

Donations can be made in person at the museum Wednesday through Saturday, or online through the donor page using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and other digital options.

Volunteers: The Heart of the Museum

The museum is also seeking volunteers of all ages (16+) and skill sets. From leading tours to identifying people in old photographs, and from assembling exhibits to office and tech work, there’s a place for everyone.

“You don’t have to be a history expert,” Pickering explains. “Many of our most valuable volunteers bring other skills — photography, data entry, design — that help us grow in ways we couldn’t otherwise.”

Technology Meets Mystery

With new scanning tools and the help of online technology (including AI), the museum is digitizing documents and building a detailed database that will aid in research. This work has already led to a few surprises.

“One mystery we’re still working on involves an event reported in a Texas newspaper a full year before it happened in Winnsboro,” Pickering says with a smile. “We’ll be inviting the community to help solve these mysteries by sharing what they know.”

Future plans include open house days where locals can record their stories, share family photos, and help piece together the town’s untold stories.

Come Visit, Come Connect

The museum is free and open to the public, and Pickering encourages everyone to stop in — whether they have a photo to share or just want to spend an hour exploring.

“If you only have time for one room,” he says, “don’t miss our developing train and depot display. It includes a working train and rich history about the building itself.”

To stay updated, visit winnsborotxmuseum.com or follow the museum on Facebook at Winnsboro Historical Museum. Plans are also underway to launch a newsletter for supporters.