Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation donates $315,000 to support Spindletop Museum
January 20, 2022 | by Shelbe Rodriguez
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum has received a gift of $315,000 from the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation, managed by Hancock Whitney. The funds will support a transformational renovation project centered around preserving the museum’s longevity and the collections held in each building. 
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum commemorates the discovery of oil at the Spindletop Hill salt dome in Beaumont on Jan. 10, 1901. Built in 1976, the museum is a replica of the bustling town that once was, complete with a post office, saloon, general store, livery, print shop, historical collections and Lucas Gusher reenactments for the public to enjoy.
“The Spindletop-Gladys City Museum has been a part of the rich history of Southeast Texas for many years, so it was important for the Foundation to support the needs of the museum,” said Leslie Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mamie McFaddin Ward House Corporation.
Renovations are set to begin in February of 2022 and Museum director Troy Gray said the generous contribution will allow the museum to add new siding and HVAC systems in each building to protect the collections.
“The museum will be turning 50-years-old soon and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation and for them recognizing the need for restoration,” Gray said. “The museum is a very important site for not only Southeast Texas, but to Texas in general and with this generous donation, we can ensure that the museum lasts.”
For more information on Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, visit lamar.edu/spindletop.
The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum commemorates the discovery of oil at the Spindletop Hill salt dome in Beaumont on Jan. 10, 1901. Built in 1976, the museum is a replica of the bustling town that once was, complete with a post office, saloon, general store, livery, print shop, historical collections and Lucas Gusher reenactments for the public to enjoy.
“The Spindletop-Gladys City Museum has been a part of the rich history of Southeast Texas for many years, so it was important for the Foundation to support the needs of the museum,” said Leslie Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mamie McFaddin Ward House Corporation.
Renovations are set to begin in February of 2022 and Museum director Troy Gray said the generous contribution will allow the museum to add new siding and HVAC systems in each building to protect the collections.
“The museum will be turning 50-years-old soon and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation and for them recognizing the need for restoration,” Gray said. “The museum is a very important site for not only Southeast Texas, but to Texas in general and with this generous donation, we can ensure that the museum lasts.”
For more information on Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, visit lamar.edu/spindletop.