In one of the first meetings for Quitman’s new Parks and Recreation Board, members discussed the possibility of helping to facilitate the opening of a new Quitman City Museum.

Although the idea has been talked about for several years, the Parks and Rec board decided that the museum may be a cause worth putting manpower and effort behind – an effort that they want to help along.

The proposed museum would be housed in what is the Quitman Chamber of Commerce, located at Jim Hogg City Park. If the museum were to open, it would share the space with the Chamber of Commerce. According to Chris Mason, Quitman ISD superintendent and also a Parks and Rec board member, “The space is a fantastic space. It’s already there; there’s no reason that it can’t be utilized for both.”

“To me, if we can be flexible and meet in the middle, and say ‘Yeah, we can make this a museum,’ that’s the best way,” he said.

Delene Allen, head librarian for the Quitman Public Library, is heavily involved in the project. Rather than taking over the project, the Parks and Rec board is excited to help Allen with the prospective opening of the museum. They will meet again about the subject in a special September meeting.

Though nothing was decided on the topics, the board also tossed around several ideas to improve community activities. Ideas discussed include stringing lights around the Jim Hogg City Park’s pavilion for Christmas, partnering with QISD to integrate Quitman’s walking trails into the QISD science curriculum, and allowing Wood County Walls to paint a mural on the bathrooms at Jim Hogg City Park.

Parks and Rec board Vice Chairman Joanne Wisdom noted that the board would receive and approve proofs of a mural before voting to allow it. She also said that the proposed mural would be completed at the expense of Wood County Walls.

The board also voted to elect Heather Boisclair as the board secretary.

The board took time to write an official mission statement. Interestingly, the board utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to write the statement. They heavily revised the AI-written statement to ensure it stood true to the vision of the board.