We’re always proud to highlight the incredible work our team does behind the scenes, and today, we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own. At the recent Texas Association of Museums conference, Exhibit Associate Alexis Thomas earned 1st place in the graduate student division of the poster session! Her winning presentation showcased the research and creative processes behind the interactive map featured in our newest exhibit, Wilton’s Landing. Alexis took a moment to share more on her project and what she hopes people will take away from the interactive map.

Q1: How did it feel to win first place in the graduate student division for your presentation? 

Alexis: It was very cool! There were a lot of really good projects at the academic showcase this year so to be recognized out of all of them was very exciting.  

Q2: Can you tell us a little about your project and why did you find it necessary to create a map that ties directly into our newest exhibit, Wilton’s Landing? 

Alexis: Throughout the Wilton’s Landing exhibit, we highlight numerous historic convenience stores, service stations, and other businesses that welcomed customers from minority groups in Waco. We thought that creating something to tell a deeper history of these establishments was necessary, and I think a map was a good way to physically highlight these places and the neighborhoods they served.  

Q3: What is one surprising or meaningful thing you learned about the history or role of convenience stores during your research? 

Alexis: I think the most meaningful thing I realized during my research was how these business did not stand alone. My research really highlighted how these businesses were just one part of the very vibrant and meaningful communities throughout Waco. When you’re looking at the map, you can start to see clusters of these businesses which reflect neighborhoods where minority groups lived. I think seeing a geographic reflection of these communities and their ability to create places of belonging despite the social and political climate was really powerful.  

Q4: Was there a challenge you faced when you were doing your project? If so, what was it and how did you overcome it? 

Alexis: One of the biggest challenges I faced was just a lack of information about these businesses. Most of the places featured in the map do not have any sort of recorded history and it was hard to find information about these places. I definitely had to get creative and one of the best resources for me was oral histories that community members had.   

Q5: What message or takeaway do you hope people walk away with after experiencing Wilton’s Landing? 

Alexis: I hope Wilton’s Landing shows people the history of resilience within these minority groups. Even though they were discriminated against, these communities found ways to support each other and create places of belonging. I think it’s so important to tell these stories and highlight the ways these communities fought against discrimination in so many different ways.  

Q6: How do you feel this recognition reflects the kind of work we’re doing at the Dr Pepper Museum? 

Alexis: None of the work I was able to do would have been possible without the Dr Pepper Museum and their commitment to telling the full story of history. Even though we’re a soda museum, there is a real local history focus and I was so glad I was able to contribute to that work at the Museum. I think the Dr Pepper Museum is much more than just a place to learn about Dr Pepper, we’re really committed to showing how Dr Pepper fits into the greater story of history, and this is just one small example of that.  

If you haven’t had the chance yet, we invite you to stop by and experience Wilton’s Landing for yourself! As a sneak peek, you can check out the bilingual interactive map here to explore some of the local landmarks and stories featured in the exhibit.

Once again, a big congratulations to Alexis! We’re so grateful for the creativity and passion she brings to the Museum every day.