When many people think of Texas that image of miles of fields and endless space still comes to mind. Texas was built on a foundation of agriculture and living off the land and this custom is preserved in the American Museum of Agriculture in Lubbock. While the world has moved on to chemical farming with waste water treatment chemicals and pesticides, this museum highlights the way that it used to be. Farming is now going back to organic and if you're wondering how it all used to be done than maybe it's time for a visit.

In 1969, a local Lubbock County Commissioner named Alton Brazell began collecting agricultural tools and machinery of old to piece together the story of West Texas's farming history. It was first called the Lubbock County Historical Collection and was housed in Shallowater Park. In 2001 the museum was created under its current name and took possession of the collection in 2002. Before there were vacuum pump systems cleaning the streets and advanced machinery used to harvest crops there were things like Moldboard tractors and horse-drawn equipment.

The AMA takes part in many events throughout the year including the Texas Cotton Ginner's Association Cotton Trade Show, which is held at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center at the beginning of April. If you're interested in how new organic products like organic diapers are made with local cotton than this event might interest you.

The museum has also been featured in several publications over the years including the Texas Techsan, the Magazine for Texas Tech Alumni. The museum even publishes its own quarterly newsletter called The Plow. This newsletter highlights volunteers at the museum and outlines the happenings at AMA board meetings. If you would like to become a volunteer, there are several opportunities to greet guests, answer questions and keep the facility safe and clean. If you're currently selling aquarium fish foods and want more job experience for your resume, volunteering can be a great way to gain new skills.

The AMA website also has a link for joining the South Plains Antique Tractor Association. This group meets once a month and hosts the Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show. If you are a history buff or an agriculture enthusiast than you may be interested in becoming a member of this association. You could reminisce about times before farmers used tools and machines like automatic waterers.

The American Museum of Agriculture is located at 1501 Canyon Lake Drive here in Lubbock. It is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm and closed on all major holidays. So, come on out and experience some of West Texas's true history. You are sure to learn something new about how life used to be in this vast state.