The Wheeler Historical Museum

ApolloJoe (Atlas Obscura User)

Located on Alan Bean Blvd. (Hwy 83), the Wheeler Historical Museum can be found on the north edge of town right next to Wheeler High School. Standing tall in front of the museum is an unmissable 10-foot bronze statue that commemorates the life of Wheeler native and Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, Captain Alan Bean.

Born on March 15, 1932, in a building that still stands in the city square, Alan Bean became a Navy test pilot before joining the astronaut corps in 1963. The Wheeler Historical Museum contains an extensive collection reflecting his personal life, Navy and NASA career as both a Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 12 and a Commander of Skylab 3.

Upon his retirement from NASA in 1981, Bean dedicated his life to painting. His unique position as an astronaut and artist allowed him to communicate the world of science by means of art and thus connect with a broad range of people with different interests. The museum contains several examples of Bean’s paintings.

Know Before You Go

Wheeler Historical Museum also contains an exhibit about the Red River War of 1874-1875 and pays tribute to the achievements and sacrifices of Wheeler County veterans. There is plenty of free parking in front of the museum for visitors.