Moody Museum

06/21/2026

This year, during Women’s History Month and continuing through Mother’s Day, the Moody Museum featured biographies highlighting exceptional women from Taylor’s history. Next year, we look forward to continuing this tradition by sharing biographies of notable Taylor men as a local Taylor business has offered to help collect biographical information.

However, we wanted to take a moment this year to share a special Father’s Day tribute, in connection with both Father’s Day and the recent Juneteenth holiday, honoring the legacy of one remarkable Taylor educator whose life reflects service, perseverance, and community impact.

Here’s to Mr. Artis Lee Caldwell.

BIO
Artis Lee Caldwell
1923-1971

On Father's Day, the Moody Museum honors Artis Lee Caldwell —a remarkable husband, father, veteran, educator, and community leader whose life exemplified strength, integrity, and service. Though his years were far too few, the legacy he left through his family, his students, and the barriers he helped break continues to shape Taylor today. It is a legacy well worthy of remembrance.

Born on August 29, 1923, Caldwell grew up on a family farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for agriculture. After serving honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, he returned home and, with the support of the GI Bill, earned a degree in agricultural supervision with a minor in science from Prairie View A&M University.

On November 24, 1946, he married Violetta Jones at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Taylor. Together they built a loving home and raised a large family whose members remain active and engaged in the Taylor community today—a lasting reflection of the values of service, faith, and education that defined their lives.

After teaching in Bremond, Caldwell spent seventeen years in Taylor, first at O.L. Price School, where he inspired students through agriculture and the New Farmers of America. His encouragement helped countless young people develop confidence, leadership, and practical skills that would serve them throughout their lives.

In 1965, Caldwell became one of the first four African American educators transferred from O.L. Price to Taylor High School during the district's initial faculty integration. While history records the transition, it cannot fully capture the courage, professionalism, and strength required to lead students through such a significant moment in the community's history.

Artis Lee Caldwell passed away in 1971 at just 47 years of age, but his influence did not end there. His greatest legacy lives on through his children, the generations of students he mentored, and the example he set as a husband, father, teacher, veteran, and man of character. On this Father's Day, we remember a father whose impact continues to be felt throughout Taylor.

06/21/2026

Happy Father's Day, everyone!

06/16/2026

The Moody Museum will open immediately after the brunch at the Dickey-Givens Center. We are hoping that everyone will be able to participate in this wonderful civic event!

VENUE CHANGE: The Juneteenth Freedom Festival will now be held at Heritage Square Park, located at 400 N. Main St., starting at 5 p.m. Come enjoy gospel music, free barbecue, an arcade, art activities, face painting, and local vendors!

06/15/2026

Now that school is out for the summer, here is an interesting look 'way' back while we look forward to the upcoming school year and all its possibilities...

In 1968, Taylor was looking ahead to a major transformation in its schools with the planned construction of a new high school to replace the 1920s-era building located at Davis and 7th Street. The architectural drawings for the proposed campus were featured in that year’s Mallard, capturing a moment of anticipation and change for the community.

Since then, Taylor ISD has continued to grow and evolve. The “new” high school opened in 1970 and has since been repurposed to serve as an administration building and elementary campus. Over the decades, the district has added two elementary schools, a middle school, and another high school to meet the needs of a growing population.

Meanwhile, the original 1920s high school—once the pride of the community—has taken on a new life of its own, now serving as ‘OTH - Old Taylor High - a vibrant center for entertainment, dining, and shopping.

From chalkboards to classrooms to community gathering spaces, these buildings tell the story of a town that continues to grow and adapt while still holding on to its history. It’s always a little nostalgic to look back and see how much has changed—and how much of that past still shapes Taylor today. See less

06/13/2026

Please read this beautiful short story about Mary Moody on her 135th birthday.

Today marks the birthday of Mary Robertson Moody (1891–1984), the beloved daughter of Dan'l Moody, Taylor's first mayor, and Nannie Robertson Moody, respected Taylor educator. She is also the older sister of Governor Dan Moody.

Mary spent nearly her entire life in the Moody House and was known for her love of literature, music, art, and public service to Taylor and beyond. One of the more charming artifacts preserved from her life is a gift she received on her 21st birthday in 1912. At the time, Mary was living at home, where several young teachers boarded while working in Taylor. Among them was C. P. Balch, a teacher who became a close friend. Sharing similar interests in books and the arts, the two enjoyed a warm friendship.

For her birthday, C. P. presented Mary with ‘The Browning Birthday Book,’ a volume featuring poetry by Robert Browning and pages where owners could record the birthdays of family and friends. In an era before smartphones, calendars, and social media reminders, such books were practical keepsakes that helped people remember important dates while enjoying great literature.

Books were treasured possessions in the early twentieth century, and this thoughtful gift was undoubtedly one Mary cherished. More than a century later, it remains a touching reminder of the friendships she cultivated and the value she placed on learning and the arts. This book is currently featured as a display in the Mary Moody room of the Dan Moody Museum.

As we celebrate Mary Robertson Moody's 135th birthday today, we're pleased to share the story of this special gift and the glimpse it provides into the life of one of the Moody House's most beloved residents.

Happy Birthday, Mary!

06/13/2026

So happy to welcome our first visitors to our extended Summer hours! Remember that the Moody Museum will be opened on Saturdays through July from 11:00am until 4:00pm.

06/12/2026

Today, volunteers from Taylor High School earned NHS service hours by helping decorate the Dan Moody Museum in preparation for Flag Day. Color Guard officers Daniella Hernandez and Amia Vega, along with Theater All-Star Arja Roy, worked hard to make the museum look its best, decked out in patriotic red, white, and blue.

Celebrated annually on June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. Although it is not a federal holiday, it has been observed for more than a century as a time to honor the American flag and the ideals it represents.

This year's Flag Day is especially meaningful as our nation continues preparations for America 250, the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As we approach this historic milestone in 2026, Flag Day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the enduring spirit of the United States.

We are grateful to these talented students for sharing their time and enthusiasm as we prepare to celebrate this important day in our nation's history.

06/10/2026

On Wednesday, June 10, members of Legacy Early College High School's National Honor Society visited the Moody Museum to begin planning their upcoming research projects for the traveling Smithsonian exhibition that will be on display in Taylor during August and September. Legacy students will also serve as volunteer docents throughout the exhibit's run.

The meeting, organized by LECHS counselor Rebecca Bartoli, provided students with an opportunity to meet with Taylor Special Events Coordinator Ruby Fisher and learn more about their responsibilities and the important role they will play in the presentation of the exhibition.

In addition, the students received a private tour of the Moody Museum from docent Marcie Svatek, where they learned about the Moody family, Governor Dan Moody, and Taylor's rich local history. Students were encouraged to consult with Fisher and Svatek as well as the Taylor Public Library throughout the research process should they need assistance or additional historical resources.

The group expressed great enthusiasm for participating in this unique project and contributing to what promises to be a memorable and historic event for the Taylor community.

06/06/2026

What a beautiful day it was!

The unveiling of the Dan Moody statue at the Moody Museum was celebrated by Dan Moody's grandson, Charles, daughter-in-law Ann and granddaughter Martha Moody DeGrasse.