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The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum—dedicated to sharing the history of Hunt County, cotton, and WWII veteran-turned-actor Audie Murphy—has operated in Greenville, Texas, for over thirty years. Earlier this year, members of our grants team spoke with Susan Lanning, director of the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum, about the organization's work in the humanities and their recently awarded grant from Humanities Texas.

Interview with Susan Lanning, director of the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum

Please tell us about your current programming and your recently awarded grant. 
The museum was awarded a major grant in 2023 to support the fabrication of A Journey Through History, a twenty-four-panel outdoor exhibition highlighting the underrepresented history of Hunt County. Since the museum sits on ten acres of land, there is a lot of space to incorporate educational materials. Seizing the opportunity to take advantage of sidewalk space leading to the museum, [we] decided to install the double-sided informational panels that cover little-known histories. 

What/who makes your work possible?
Our volunteers. We have a small staff with only two full-time employees. Our volunteers help us with so many things from collections to events and fundraisers. If we did not have them for help, we would not be able to do half of the programs we offer.

What advice would you give to a young humanities student/professional? 
Networking was so important for me. Even if you cannot go to national conventions, go to the annual Texas Association of Museums conference to learn about the industry. Intern and/or volunteer at your local museum to find what you are interested in. One of the best parts about working in a museum is that it’s always different; nothing is routine day-to-day.

What is the most important thing people should know about your work? 
I want people to come through the museum, learn something new, and have fun doing so. A few years ago, we had a family come in with a teenage boy who was unhappy that he had been forced by his parents to visit. By the end of his tour of the museum, he was smiling and talking about all he had learned. That’s the goal I have for everybody.