Home to the Nat’s Hats Exhibit, Heritage Hall explores early settlers, industry, and cultural developments of Wichita County as well as the surrounding region. Nat Fleming’s donation of over 500 cowboy hats from his store, the Cow Lot—now one of the world’s largest cowboy hat collections and a visitor favorite, is a main feature in Heritage Hall.

Famous names with their hats displayed in the exhibit include:
INDY Car & Shelby Test Driver Lloyd Ruby. Ruby is a member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and he, along with British racing legend Ken Miles, won the 1966 World Sportscar Championship in the historic Ford GT40.

“The Marlboro Man” Dean Meyer was a true icon of the American West. A U.S. Army Veteran and accomplished rodeo cowboy, Meyer was known best for his turn in the iconic white hat as The Marlboro Man. Dean was unlike most of those in the iconic role, as he built his legacy in the arena as a Steer Wrestler, Saddle Bronc Rider, and Calf Roper, and was a proud holder of a PRCA Gold Card since 1977, Dean represented the rugged spirit of Texas and the enduring traditions of cowboy life.

The heart of the Museum of North Texas History, the Bill English Military Collection is where it all began. This foundational collection—built on the passion and dedication of local historian, collector, and veteran Bill English—honors the legacy of those who served by preserving the artifacts and memories of military service members from North Texas and beyond.

Paired with the ever-expanding Hall of Heroes, these exhibit rooms showcase an extraordinary array of military uniforms, weaponry, photographs, documents, and personal memorabilia spanning multiple conflicts, from the Spanish American War to modern day service. Each item tells a story—not only of battlefields and bravery, but also of the men and women behind the uniforms.

Visitors will find themselves immersed in powerful personal narratives, handwritten letters from the front, medals earned under fire, and the evolving technology of military gear. The Hall of Heroes continues to grow as families and veterans contribute their stories, making this a living tribute to courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a veteran, or someone simply wanting to understand the cost and commitment of service, the Bill English Military Collection and Hall of Heroes offers an unforgettable, meaningful experience.

Today, the Hall of Heroes is home to not only the English Collection, but also the Carter Ship Collection… centered on a collection of over three dozen meticulously built large-scale model ships representing more than 200 years of naval tradition. Both history lessons and works of art… with a few easter eggs thrown in for good measure, the collection is another favorite of the museum. Several of the ships are massive, approaching five feet in length.

Williiam Carter was a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor… who was on the deck of the USS Utah during the Japanese attack on the base. During the war, he served on convoy duty, completing 14 Atlantic crossings between 1943 & 1944. He participated in the invasions of Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa following transfer to the Pacific Theater.

Following his service in war, Bill enlisted as a Reservist and served a combined 22 years in the Navy. He completed his lifetime of public service by serving 32 years as a Firefighter with the Wichita Falls Fire Department, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1985.
Thanks to his naval service, model building… especially ships… was his passion. His widow donated the collection to the museum in 2010.

Step back in time and relive the joy of childhood through Generations of Play, a heartwarming and interactive exhibit celebrating the timeless toys and classic games that have delighted children—and the young at heart—for decades. Designed to stir cherished memories and spark conversations across generations, this exhibit showcases the creativity, innovation, and cultural impact of playtime favorites from the early 20th century to today.

Explore an array of iconic toys that once filled birthday wish lists and Christmas stockings, including the imaginative Mr. Potato Head, the classic baking fun of the Easy Bake Oven, the pioneer-era charm of Lincoln Logs, the 3D adventures of the View-Master, the endless strategies of Monopoly, and the boundless building possibilities of LEGO bricks.

Whether you grew up with these beloved toys or are discovering them for the first time, Generations of Play invites visitors of all ages to reflect on how play shapes our childhoods, strengthens family bonds, and inspires creativity. With hands-on components and vintage displays, this exhibit encourages you to pause, play, and remember.

Come explore how toys have evolved over time—and how some things never change when it comes to the magic of play.