Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Announces Largest Bequest

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January 2022

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Newsletter

Sponsored by the City of Waco

Official State Historical Center of the Texas Rangers

Home of Texas Ranger Bicentennial 1823-2023

Major Bequest from Samuel E. McClendon

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum has received the largest bequest in its 57-year history from the estate of Samuel E. McClendon of Waco, a donation of $1.2 million.

It will be held and administered through the Texas Ranger Association Foundation “for the Benefit of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.”

Sam and Donna had a family legacy associated with the Texas Rangers. Sam was an engineer working in nearby McGregor for the Hercules Corporation and married the late Donna Peoples, daughter of Texas Ranger Senior Captain Clint Peoples. Sam visited the historical center often and donated items associated with Senior Captain Peoples. They recognized the importance of the educational mission and our commitment to preserving all aspects of Texas Ranger history for future generations.

TRHFM Awarded National and International Rankings

Three Best Rated

ThreeBestRated, an international British guide for tourism (like the Michelin restaurant guide) has again ranked the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum as one the best “Three Places to See” in Waco for 2021. The other two attractions selected were the Waco Mammoth National Monument and Cameron Park Zoo. ThreeBestRated evaluates each attraction based on a 50 criteria system. ThreeBestRated is used by more than 48 million tourists each year.

3 Best Places To See in Waco, TX - Expert Recommendations (threebestrated.com)

Trip Advisor

Trip Advisor has also awarded the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame its Traveler’s Choice award for 2021 as the #4 of the “Top Attractions” in Waco. It follows the National Park Service affiliated Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Suspension Bridge managed by Waco Parks, and the Cameron Park Zoo. 93% of visitors rated the Texas Ranger Museum “Very Good” to “Excellent”.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum (Waco) - 2021 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Spring Break Round Up Returns!

5 Year Anniversary of Entry Sign

In December 2016, a new sign and monument for the historical center was constructed on I-35 for the historical center designed by Tangram Design and built by Harbinger Sign. The approval process involved the Waco City Council, City of Waco Historic Landmarks Board, Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Ranger and Texas DPS. Former Mayor and contractor Jim Bush provided valuable design input. Given the raised bed of I-35, the sign is vital to the visibility of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Congrats to the Cameron Park Zoo

Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo came in at #48 in TripAdvisor’s 2021 top 50 Best Zoos in the U.S.

TripAdvisor based its top 50 Best Zoos list on customer reviews of the approximately 2,400 animal facilities in the U.S. Three other Texas zoos listed among the top 50 were the Fort Worth Zoo, the Houston Zoo, and the Dallas Zoo.

Best Zoos Ranked in America

Gift Shop Feature

Sparkle in the New Year! This adorable gray plush horse features silver stars on it's body. $19.95 + Tax

To shop more items available for purchase, please visit our Gift Shop online or in person 9am to 4:30pm daily. You never have to pay admission to shop. Sales from the Gift Shop benefit the preservation and education activities of the Museum. Please call (877) 750- 8631 or email thestore@texasranger.org to order. We ship worldwide. Thank you!

Texas Ranger Bicentennial^TM Partners Program

Be part of the Texas Ranger Bicentennial! The Texas Rangers will commemorate their landmark 200th anniversary in 2023. With a $100 contribution, you will receive:

A limited-edition enameled bronze pin featuring the official Texas Ranger Bicentennial™ seal
A certificate signed by an active or distinguished retired Texas Ranger
Your name or family name on the online roster of Bicentennial Partners™
A one-time-use family admission ticket (admits 4) to the Museum.

$90 of the contribution qualifies as a charitable contribution. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame is a 170(c) government-owned nonprofit.

Please click here to learn more about the program.

Official Texas Rangers Bicentennial Pin

Trademarked by the Texas Dept. of Public Safety Designed by the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

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ENJOY

$2.00 OFF

Expires 3/1/2022

Save $1.00 off regular adult admission for up to two adults. Coupon not valid on discounted senior or military admission. No cash value.

The museum is open 9am to 5pm with the last guest admitted at 4:30pm. The museum is located off I-35 and University Parks Drive in Waco, Texas. For more information, call (254) 750-8631 or visit www.texasranger.org.

Newsletter Compiled by Christine Rothenbush, Marketing & Development Specialist