On May 1, 2011, the San Saba County Historical Museum Foundation held its annual spring membership event. The event, which featured the music of Roger Whatley and keynote speaker, Bob Alexander, award-winning author, played to a capacity crowd of some 100 guests.

The program opened with a country and western concert by guitarist, Whatley, local rancher. His ballads, beautifully performed, provided an atmosphere of nostalgia as he played amidst the historic exhibits of the museum. Following the concert, Lynn Blankenship, Museum President, welcomed guests. Reverend Mindy Baker, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, San Saba, provided the invocation. The Webelos of Scout Troop 55, led by Randal Hawkins, Scoutmaster, presented the colors prior to a moving rendition of our national anthem.

President Blankenship then introduced the keynote speaker, awarding winning author, Bob Alexander. Alexander, a very dynamic and charismatic speaker, centered his presentation, "Texas Rangers, The Real Story," primarily on the promotion of his new novel, Winchester Warriors: Texas Rangers of Company D, 1874-1901. His new novel deals with the development of the Texas Rangers from legendary Indian fighters to a more modern type of law enforcement organization as it is known today. Alexander mesmerized his audience as he recounted the stories he uncovered as he researched his novel. In closing, this gifted storyteller spoke of a future novel slated for publication which promises to have an exciting connection to the community of San Saba. Alexander was then thanked and presented a pecan basket on behalf of the entire museum organization.

The afternoon continued with a short business meeting called to order by President Blankenship. The minutes, read by Aileen Roberts, Museum Secretary, were approved as read. Museum Treasurer, David Williams presented the treasurer’s report. It was approved, subject to audit. Betty Jo Miller presented the new slate of officers and trustees for the museum foundation. All were nominated by acclamation and approved.

The new officers for the county museum are Lynn Blankenship, President; Clione Rochat, Vice President; Aileen Roberts, Secretary; David Williams, Treasurer; Ann McElroy, Public Relations/Development Coordinator; Paula Barrier and Vickie Stevenson, Curators; Nelda Weatherby, Historian; and Kay Nettleship, Memorials. The 2009-2012 Trustees are Aileen Roberts, Terry Smith, Jerry Blankenship and Betty McLaughlin. The 2010-2013 Trustees are Larry Baker, Anna Wilson, Elsie Millican and Ann McElroy. The 2011-2014 Trustees are Carl M. Carter, Celia Bell, Debbie Taff and Buddy Whitley. Ann McElroy, Public Relations/Development Coordinator, presented a report updating the status of the pending LCRA grant. McElroy also discussed donations both made and needed for the continuing renovations to both the interior and exterior grounds of the museum building.

Following the president’s adjournment of the meeting, guests were served refreshments and invited to view the exhibits. Refreshments were provided by Aileen Roberts and Clione Rochat, Refreshment Committee Co-Chairs. Floral arrangements were provided courtesy of the San Saba Garden Club and President, Anna Wilson.

The museum is located within the Mill Pond Park. For further information regarding the county museum and museum membership can be found at http://www.sansabamuseum.or