NOTE: Throughout the month of July, BrownwoodNews.com is publishing stories daily on 40 standout citizens under the age of 40 making a positive impact and contribution within the Brown County community.
The Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum is preparing for its 15th anniversary celebration later this year, and fifth-year curator Crystal Stanley has played a huge role in the growth and development at the repository, as well as chipping in to aid a variety of other local organizations.
“I’ve been with the railroad museum since 2017 and we’ve been able to update a lot of the exhibits so that they’re a little bit more modern,” Stanley, 37, said. “We’re displaying more of the exhibit items which has been nice, and we have extended our mini-train layout, it’s now double the size that it was before. We’ve added some murals out at the mini-train that are really nice. We’ve increased our membership, and we’ve been offering several different events over the year that have been great for the community.”
Stanley said the growth the museum has enjoyed both in terms of exhibits and visitors during her tenure brings her the greatest joy.
“I’m most proud of our visitation and the way it’s grown,” Stanley said. “It’s at a point that, since the museum has opened, even in the past year or two, we’ve doubled our visitation. That shows a lot. People want to come and we have a lot of return visitors. That’s huge for us.”
The Lehnis Railroad also now serves as the Welcome Center for the City of Brownwood as well.
“It’s been an interesting year being the visitor’s center,” Stanley said. “We love helping people, that’s what we’re best at, so we took it on. It’s been great building relationships with a lot of the downtown businesses and seeing the growth. Being involved in that has been great.”
Regarding what the future holds for the museum, in the short term the 15th anniversary celebration is at the top of the list – and will offer a glimpse into the future.
“In the near future the museum will celebrating its 15th anniversary on Sept. 3 and I’m excited to show off what I’m hoping to do in the next few years,” Stanley said. “I’m hoping to get more rolling stock, maybe another locomotive on site, maybe a boxcar. Then I’m really looking to grow our field trip program. I’ve been accepted into a program through the Texas Association of Museums where I’m learning to develop educational programs to be in the classroom digitally. Right now it’s just for Texas, but I’m hoping eventually it will be available nationwide. Just this small railroad museum being available to all classrooms across the nation and just showing what great things we have to offer would be amazing.”
As for the most rewarding aspect of her work, Stanley said, “I love when kids come in and they’re already excited about trains, and they want to take it all in and it’s sensory overload. They’re more excited and start crying when they want to leave. That makes it seem like I’m doing something right because they don’t want to leave. I get so excited that they like it so much.”
Outside of the museum, Stanley remains a vital part of several local organizations.
“I am part of the Chamber’s Young Professionals and I sit on the board for the Brown County Museum of History,” Stanley said. “In September I will be sitting on the Arts Council Board. I also try to get out and help with Keep Brownwood Beautiful when I can. I just enjoy helping wherever I can in the community.”
Stanley thanked both her husband, Joseph, and the City of Brownwood for the opportunity to follow her heart’s passion.
“Without the support of my husband I couldn’t do this,” Stanley said. “I’m very ambitious and work a lot, and he’s gracious enough to support me and to want me to do better. It’s a lot of extra work hours sometimes.
“The City has also been encouraging me to do and try more. It’s a good thing when you work for a company or business that wants you to do better and learn more. That’s a great part of working for the City of Brownwood.”