Background Over the years, the citizens of Corrigan have donated artifacts, historical photos, newspaper articles and other memorabilia to the Corrigan Community Service League for safekeeping. Former Corrigan City Manager Mandy Risinger acquired 501(c)(3) exempt status for the Service League and included historic preservation and other items in the organizing documents. Officers were named includ
ing President Kelly Smith Shadix as well as six additional individuals who serve as the Service League board. Eventually the Service League purchased the historic 1935-era Bergman grocery store building from the City of Corrigan with the purpose of restoring it as close to period correct as possible for a museum to be called the Corrigan Area Heritage Center to house the donated artifacts collected over the years. The Corrigan Area Heritage Center is located in downtown Corrigan, Texas. By August 2014, almost all of the building’s restoration work was completed due to the generous contributions of current and former Corrigan residents, local businesses and a Corrigan-related foundation. The Service League board and many supporters envision the Corrigan Area Heritage Center not only as a museum, but also as a learning enhancement and research center for Corrigan-Camden ISD students and others interested in the historical and cultural values and natural attributes of the town of Corrigan and surrounding communities. Education is important in Corrigan. Modern school buildings clearly dominate the landscape. However, beyond school, no community resources are devoted to the cultural heritage and enrichment of Corrigan residents especially children. The 1,595-resident town is home to four school buildings which house 1,034 students drawn from the 100-square mile Corrigan-Camden ISD. Despite the school’s designation as a National Blue Ribbon School, its students have no physical cultural community anchor to define the place in which they live or their cultural heritage. There are no active main street or downtown revitalization efforts. There are no YMCA or other after school programs other than those sponsored by the school. Community activities are typically held at the school. If a family wishes to view a live performance outside the school, visit a museum or simply attend a movie, the family must drive at least 25 miles to a different town. No sponsored cultural learning activities are provided outside the school, and no venue exists to accommodate them other than those sponsored by the school. Supporters of the Corrigan Area Heritage Center wish to change this scenario and create a cultural legacy in the form of a museum for the enrichment and enjoyment of generations to come. The Corrigan Area Heritage Center has the potential to educate people of all ages and ethnicities of the historical and cultural values and natural attributes of Corrigan, Texas and its surroundings. Those who will benefit from the existence of the Heritage Center include the people who reside within the boundaries of the Corrigan-Camden school district, students from local colleges - Angelina College and SFASU - who are performing cultural, historical and environmental research, former residents of the area and visitors passing through the town. Over 2,000 visitors per year could potentially visit the Heritage Center including classes from C-CISD. Mutually beneficial partnerships with the CCISD and SFASU will assure the Corrigan Area Heritage Center’s sustainability. It will grow to include collections from all communities within north Polk County. To accommodate its growth, it can expand to other historic buildings in town and/or others to be built in period fashion.
