 Spring Break Round Up returns on Saturday, March 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Texas Ranger Danny Dao, Company F, will speak at both 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Reenactment groups will be on hand with their historic equipment from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Activities are included in regular museum admissions.
 Join us for a book signing event with historian Joe Pappalardo as he shares his new book, Boom Town: The True Story of the Wickedest Town in Texas, on Saturday, April 25th from noon to 3:00 p.m. There will be a short Q&A with Mr. Pappalardo at 2:00 p.m. in the Hall of Fame.
Just a year after the town of Borger, Texas was founded, the press called it "the wickedest in the state". It had become a lawless haven for bootleggers, pimps and gamblers, run by a crooked city hall. After the murders of three law enforcement officers, the arrival of legendary Texas Ranger Captain Frank Hamer threatens to break even this hardest boomtown in America―if it doesn't kill him first.
Mr. Pappalardo also has authored Red Sky Morning: The Epic True Story of Texas Ranger Company F. It will be available for purchase and autographing.
Over the years, when we were asked about other museums and attractions in Waco, visitors were directed to go next door to the Waco Welcome Center to get brochures, magazines and materials. When the Welcome Center moved to the downtown area in December, a need emerged to have those materials on site. In February, the Museum staff installed a brochure holder in the lobby. We hope this provides visitors with information to expand their explorations into Waco and enhance the time spent in our great city.
The William P. Clements Excellence Award honors employees who display exceptional performance of duties throughout their careers at DPS. Former Texas Governor William P. Clements was known for his commitment to excellence and public service, and this distinction seeks to honor personnel who embody that same spirit. In recognition of her exceptional performance of duties, Lieutenant Laura Simmons was awarded the 2025 William P. Clements Excellence Award.
 Texas Ranger Lieutenant Laura Simmons began her career with the Texas Highway Patrol in 1998, where she excelled in crash investigation, criminal interdiction and DWI enforcement before advancing into leadership roles and criminal investigations. Simmons joined the Texas Ranger Division in 2008 and quickly distinguished herself through her expertise in crime scene processing and forensic investigation, graduating from and now instructing at the National Forensic Academy.
Throughout her tenure, Simmons has led numerous high-profile investigations, including capital murder cases, officer-involved shootings and sensitive crimes against children, securing convictions and delivering expert testimony. She has deployed to nearly every major mass casualty event in Texas, including the Sutherland Springs and Midland/Odessa tragedies, demonstrating professionalism, resilience and compassion. Beyond her investigative achievements, she is a respected mentor who has shaped the next generation of Texas Rangers through training and guidance. Outside the department, she has served as a valued coach and teacher within her community.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our good friend and Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall at age 95. After playing a leading role in the 1989 film Lonesome Dove, Robert Duvall became even more famous. Lonesome Dove is a classic 4-part miniseries where two retired Texas Rangers seek adventure, leading a dangerous and epic cattle drive from South Texas to Montana.
 Duvall filmed a PSA for the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 2010, where he was made an honorary board member. “It was a great honor to be able to watch him work," Christine Rothenbush with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum said. "Really, a true talent that came from the heart...he donated the promo to us. And that's something the museum could never have been able to pay for. So we appreciated that.”
In the promo, Duvall said he loved his role as a retired Texas Ranger. "When I go out in the world…people will come up to me and say, 'Augustus McCrae, in Lonesome Dove,' And I will say that was my favorite part ever.”
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We are saddened to share the passing of Retired Texas Ranger Ronald C. "Ron" Stewart, on February 4, 2026. Ron was born June 12, 1945, in Maricopa County, Arizona.
After active-duty service in the U.S.Army, he attended the Texas DPS Law Enforcement Academy in 1970. He served as a Texas Highway Patrolman, then was promoted into the DPS Narcotics Service, working undercover in Houston and Austin areas for nearly ten years.
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In 1980, he was promoted into the Texas Ranger service and worked in the Central Texas area handing criminal cases, public integrity cases, and special internal cases out of the Texas DPS Director's Office. He transferred to the Texas "Big Bend" border region and worked with local and federal agencies until his retirement in 1995.
In 1998, he became a special deputy with the U.S.Marshal Service, serving as a federal court Security Officer for the Western District of Texas. He was also a federal and state certified firearms instructor.
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We are saddened to share the passing of Retired Texas Ranger Phillip Ray "Phil" Ryan, Sr., 80 years of age, on February 25, 2026.
Born August 10, 1945, in Oklahoma and raised in the Houston area, Ryan began his lifelong commitment to public service at just 21 when he joined the Pasadena Police Department in 1966. Two years later, he entered the Texas DPS as a highway patrolman. Ryan promoted to Ranger in 1979.
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Texas Ranger Ryan, Company C, was stationed in Decatur. He specialized in Hypnosis and was a Firearms Instructor. Ranger Ryan received many citations during his career including:
Purple Heart (DPS)-Shot in the Line of Duty; Purple Heart (DPS)- Stabbed during Arrest; Distinguished Honor (North Texas Criminal Justice Association)- Murder Investigation; Peace Officer of the Year (North Texas Criminal Justice Association)- Murder Investigation; and Distinguished Service (Petroleum Industry Security Council)- Oilfield Case.
He retired in 1989 and then served as Wise County Sheriff and in corporate security.
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Celebrate International Genealogy Day on Saturday, March 14th with a hands-on workshop designed to help you dig deeper into your family history. This all-day event, held at the West Waco Library, will focus on finding and using records connected to law enforcement, including sheriffs, police, and the Texas Rangers. Learn where to look for service files, association records, personnel files, newspaper stories, and other resources that can shed light on your ancestors’ lives. Whether you’re just curious or already suspect a lawman (or outlaw) in the family tree, you’ll walk away with practical tips, new tools, and plenty of ideas for your own research. The event is free but registration is required.
The Tobin and Anne Armstrong Texas Ranger Research Center houses Ranger biographical files, archival materials, historic books and other documents. These records date back to the founding of the Rangers in 1823 and include information about many Rangers, both famous and unknown. These biographical files are currently stored in regular filing cabinets.
We are beginning a fundraising campaign to purchase fireproof cabinets to safely store this important historical information. These cabinets (just a few pictured below) will not only protect the records we already have but will have enough room to add information as we continue to research.
This project is estimated to cost around $40,000, and we need your support. We are currently accepting donations and hope that as you plan your giving this year, you will include the Armstrong Research Center in your gifting. Please make checks payable to the Center with “fireproof campaign” in the memo line or mention that designation when paying by phone to use a credit card. Our phone is (254) 750-8631. Thank you.
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