The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM), the largest history museum in Texas, has been closed to the public indefinitely due to serious fire and life safety concerns. The decision was made by West Texas A&M University (WT) President Walter V. Wendler following an inspection by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which identified significant safety risks within the museum's buildings.
Safety Issues Prompt Urgent Closure
The State Fire Marshal’s inspection revealed multiple ongoing violations that pose substantial risks to visitors and staff. These include inadequate fire suppression systems, dead-end hallways, and limited emergency exits. While some immediate fixes have been implemented, other issues require extensive and costly renovations.
“We cannot ignore the seriousness of the fire and life safety risks posed by the existing museum buildings,” Wendler stated. “Since my arrival, I have been working to find solutions and address the ongoing challenges with the museum building. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a workable solution.”
Assistant State Fire Marshal Chuck Allen supported the decision, stating that the violations needed to be addressed immediately.
“President Wendler’s decision to close the museum while corrective action is taken is in accordance with the State Fire Marshal’s Office recommendation,” Allen said.
Extensive Repairs Required, Funding a Major Hurdle
Museum officials estimate that necessary renovations, including installing a sprinkler system and reconfiguring building layouts for safer evacuation routes, will cost nearly $100 million. Some initial repairs have been made, but the more complex structural changes require substantial funding that is not currently available.
WT has enlisted an engineering firm to evaluate potential solutions for both the fire safety concerns and deferred maintenance issues. Additionally, Wendler has secured funds from Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp for a feasibility study on a new museum building. The projected cost for a new facility stands at $150 million, and efforts to secure the necessary funding are ongoing.
“The museum staff has worked diligently to address immediately solvable issues,” said Heather Friemel, interim executive director of the Cultural Foundation of the Texas Panhandle. “But larger structural problems require long-term investment.”
Keeping History Alive Beyond Museum Walls
Despite the closure, museum officials remain committed to engaging the community. PPHM will continue educational outreach efforts through programs like a portable planetarium, educational trunks, and pop-up exhibitions.
“At PPHM, the safety of our visitors, staff, and collections is our top priority,” Friemel said. “While this shift requires some changes, our commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Panhandle-Plains region remains steadfast.”
The museum is home to Texas’ largest historical collection, containing priceless artifacts that require preservation. Cultural Foundation of the Texas Panhandle Chair Mark Bivins stressed the urgency of finding a long-term solution.
“President Wendler and I have and will continue to raise the concerns associated with the existing museum facilities by appealing to anyone and everyone who will listen,” Bivins said. “We must preserve Texas’ largest historical collection.”
University's Commitment to Finding a Solution
WT currently spends $1.6 million annually to support museum operations, but because the museum does not function as a university classroom facility, it does not receive state funding. Wendler emphasized the importance of securing financial support from various stakeholders, including state representatives, local officials, and private donors.
“I plan to continue working with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society, the Texas Historical Commission, state representatives, local elected officials, donors, and anyone else who is interested in and capable of assisting to preserve this essential Texas treasure,” Wendler said.
