The Museum of the Southwest was incorporated on September 25, 1965, after the Junior League of Midland voted to establish an art and science museum, and pledged support for the institution over a five-year period. With the League's planning and the support of the people of Midland, the Museum opened in 1966. Governor John Connolly cut the ribbon opening the facility at 3201 West Wall Avenue to great enthusiasm by everyone in the community. After a short stay on Wall Avenue, the Museum moved to 26 Village Circle in 1966, and then to its present location in the Turner Mansion in July of 1968. After the mansion and stables became the home of the Museum, the property was expanded in 1970 with the addition of the Thomas Gallery and in 1987 with the addition of the Lissa Noël Wagner Wing, which added much needed exhibition space, collection storage, preparation and art-handling spaces. In 1972, a grant from the Blakemore Foundation...