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Kilgore Library, DAR Exhibit Revives Local History

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/03 .. e-library-dar-exhibit-revives-local-history.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 18:37 GMT by KLTV
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

KILGORE, Texas - February 3rd, 2026 - The Kilgore Public Library is buzzing with renewed interest in local history thanks to a collaborative exhibit launched in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The exhibit, unveiled yesterday to a sizable and enthusiastic crowd, promises to be a significant resource for both history buffs and those embarking on genealogical journeys.

While the initial announcement focused on a simple display of documents and photographs, the impact of this collaboration is proving to be far more profound. The exhibit isn't just showing history; it's actively facilitating historical discovery. Library Director Jessica Womack emphasized the library's commitment to becoming a central hub for understanding and preserving Kilgore's unique story.

"We're so proud to partner with the Daughters of the American Revolution to bring this exhibit to our community," Womack stated. "It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our local history and connect with our roots. We see this as the beginning of a much larger initiative to digitize and make accessible our local historical archives."

The exhibit itself is thoughtfully curated, moving beyond simple chronological displays. It focuses on the people who shaped Kilgore - the early settlers, the oil boom pioneers, the community leaders, and the everyday citizens whose lives built the town. Included are census records, land deeds, original photographs of early Kilgore businesses and homes, and transcribed oral histories gathered from long-time residents. A particularly compelling section details the impact of the East Texas Oil Field discovery in the 1930s, showcasing not only the economic boom but also the social changes that accompanied it.

But the DAR's involvement isn't limited to providing historical materials. The organization is also offering free genealogy workshops throughout the month, guiding attendees through the process of researching their family histories using the library's resources and the exhibit's materials. These workshops have been particularly popular, with each session quickly reaching capacity. SARAH JENKINS, a local attendee at the first workshop, stated, "I've been meaning to research my family tree for years, but didn't know where to start. The DAR volunteers were incredibly helpful and patient, and I already found information about my great-grandfather I never knew!"

The Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineage-based organization dedicated to preserving American history and promoting patriotism, see this partnership as an extension of their core mission. "Connecting people with their past is crucial for understanding the present and shaping the future," explained DAR Chapter President Eleanor Vance. "Kilgore has a rich and fascinating history, and we are thrilled to share it with the community." Vance further explained that the Kilgore exhibit is part of a larger DAR initiative to support local libraries and historical societies across the state.

The library is also leveraging the exhibit to expand its digital offerings. They've launched a dedicated webpage with digitized versions of key documents from the exhibit, along with links to online genealogical databases. A partnership with a local tech company is underway to create a virtual tour of the exhibit, allowing people to explore it remotely. The library plans to build upon this foundation, eventually creating a comprehensive digital archive of Kilgore history accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Beyond the immediate historical content, the exhibit is fostering a sense of community pride and connection. The library has reported a significant increase in foot traffic and program attendance since the exhibit opened. Local schools are also taking advantage of the opportunity, bringing students to the library to learn about their town's heritage. This intergenerational engagement is seen as a vital component of preserving Kilgore's identity for future generations.

The success of the Kilgore partnership is already inspiring similar collaborations in neighboring towns. The Nacogdoches Historical Society has reached out to the Kilgore Public Library to explore the possibility of a joint exhibit focusing on the shared history of the region. This burgeoning network of historical preservation efforts promises to enrich the cultural landscape of East Texas for years to come. The library and the DAR are already discussing plans for a follow-up exhibit next year, focusing on the contributions of Kilgore residents to both World Wars.