Hurst History: Gallery

The Historical Gallery at Hurst Public Library

Hurst Library's Historical Gallery, centrally located between the Library entrance and the Adult Information Desk, is a museum gallery featuring items from, information about, and images of the History of Hurst.

A painting featuring William L. Hurst (aka "Uncle Billy") and the Hurst Train Depot was given to Hurst Public Library in 1986 by Mr. & Mrs. Herman J. Smith, and is featured on the Gallery Wall.

Display cases hold exhibits of donated pieces from some of Northeast Tarrant County's settlers, including those of particular importance in Hurst, such as Uncle Billy's Fiddle and the telegraph used by Hurst Depot's Stationmaster Grady Walker.

Other treasures include historic documents, news clippings, photographs, and genealogical records from families dating back to Republic of Texas days. Some of the first Anglo-American families to call the Mid-Cities area home are represented in Hurst Library's Historical Gallery Collection.

The Gallery serves as more than just an historical display area for Library patrons. Works by local artists and collectors, traveling exhibits, J. Lynn Kelly's Dream Wheels,  and a collection of Tom Clark sculptures donated to the Hurst Public Library by Aaron & Mary Webb. Patron of the Library will note the Gallery is also one of the Library's designated Quiet Zones, with comfy seats for readers, and a puzzle table.

Contact the Library's Adult Information Services Department at 817-788-7301 with questions about the Historical Gallery, it contents, or the works or collections on display, or ask at the Information Desk the next time you are here.