Current Exhibition
In Honor of Dr. Elvin Holt
The Calaboose African American History Museum is beyond saddened to share that we have lost our most devoted pioneer, esteemed servant leader, and beloved friend and mentor Dr. Elvin Holt. Simply, there are no words, and in a moment like this, when we would ordinarily turn to him to access his literary gifts, we are further reminded of another unfillable void he leaves behind.
Dr. Holt was nothing short of a indefatigable living reference of African American history and literature, particularly in the community of San Marcos, Texas. He had encyclopedic knowledge of seemingly all things related to the breadth and width of the African American community in San Marcos. Simply, he was brilliant and awe-inspiring in his ability to recollect the nuanced details that helped youth, families, scholars, and curious patrons of the Calaboose Museum connect the dots between time and space in history. To attempt to document all of his gifts is an insurmountable task, for he was many things – all admirable things.
He was a man of upstanding integrity and timeless class. Dr. Holt was committed to service in a way that is simply inimitable. He began building his everlasting legacy long before his transition beyond this space, and it is our humble honor to advance it. Dr. Holt has left an indelible mark to which we will continue to turn for guidance and inspiration.
The Calaboose African American History Museum will honor Dr. Holt’s long-standing commitment to further augment and amplify the mission and vision of the Calaboose African American History Museum, as he so tirelessly did. He was our longest serving President and Board member- never giving up on the vision that founder Johnnie Armstead had for the Calaboose Museum. We are beyond blessed to have been co-stewards alongside him, and even more so, to have loved him as a mentor and friend. We will miss you with all of our hearts and souls, Dr. Holt. You have served well; may Heavenly rest be yours.
❤️- Dr. Skyller Walkes, Immediate Past President,
On behalf of the Calaboose African American History Museum Board of Directors
Read article for more information on services, contributions and Dr. Holt.
Rotating Gallery
In gallery A, the CAAHM hosts a different rotating exhibition every three months. Our most recent rotating exhibition, "Blackface Reimagined: Minstrelsy and Racist Representations of the Black Body," opened on July 1, 2019. This exhibition encourages visitors to engage in the current national conversation about blackface.
Permanent Collection
The museum’s permanent exhibitions are housed in gallery B. These items include artifacts that belonged to Ulysses Cephas, noted blacksmith, John M. Toliver, businessman, Victoria Wilson, motel owner, Miss Ollie Hamilton, grocer; Sammie Hardeman, renowned chef/caterer, Eddie Durham, famous jazz musician; cotton industry, desegregation at Southwest Texas State, Old First Baptist Church, the Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, San Marcos Colored School, KKK regalia, etc.
Past Exhibitions
Blackface Reimagined: Minstrelsy and Racist Representations of the Black Body (2020)
Black Veterans from San Marcos–World War II: Exterior Exhibition (Nov. 2019)
Walking in My Shoes: Bob Jones Solo Exhibition, (April–Sept. 2019)
Sammera Fadul: The Black Art Association Exhibition (2018)
If These Streets Could Talk: Contemporary Activism in San Marcos 2015–2018 (Photos) (March–June 2018)
Tandie Van Der Berg: Art and Activism, Solo Exhibition (March–June 2018)
(South African Artist -African American Themes)
Charles Callihan: Athlete, Teacher, Minister, (Nov. 2017)
Art by Ryan Runcie: Solo Exhibition (Sept. 30–Dec. 2017)
Lucious Jackson: Breaking Barriers and Backboards (Sept. 24, 2016–Feb. 24, 2017)
Cover Stories: Roots, Rhythm, Resiliency" (Art Quilts) (Feb. 13, 2016–April 21, 2016)
Gone but Not Forgotten: Black Businesses in San Marcos (Nov. 2014–Jan. 2015)
In the Winners's Circle: Celebrating Four Notable Athletes (Lucious Jackson, Charles Austin, Brenda Bell, Dave Brown) (January 20, 2013–June 16, 2013)
Getting the Votes: Black Politicians in San Marcos (October 2009)