Facade - West Exterior
Architectural drawing of the West facade of museum building.
Level 1 Floor Plan
A proposed vision for the museum's first floor, including gallery space, cell block, and historic house museum.
Side - South Exterior
Architectural drawing of the South exterior wall of museum building.
Level 2 Floor Plan
A proposed layout for the museum's second floor, including exhibition space, historic house museum, and collections management.
In the video below, Mary Helen Dodson shares the story of her great-grandfather, Wesley Clark Dodson, one of Texas’ most notable architects. Dodson designed fifteen Texas courthouses, including the Hill County Courthouse, and also designed the historic Hill County Cell Block Museum building. This video offers a meaningful look at his architectural legacy and the lasting impact of his work on Hill County and communities across Texas.
Mary Helen visited Hillsboro in February 2026, and presented presentations at several speaking engagements and book signings, and was present for a proclamation reading by Judge Justin Lewis from the Hill County Courthouse courtroom.
The court proclaimed Tuesday, February 17 as Wesley Clark Dodson Day, honoring the lasting legacy of Dodson, a prominent Texas architect whose work helped shape civic architecture across the state in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
More Information:
The Historical Marker for the Cell Block Museum Reads:
Hill County Jail
Constructed in 1893, this building serves as the third jail for Hill County. It was designed by W. C. Dodson of Waco, architect of the Hill County Courthouse, and built by the Brown County firm of Lovell and Wood. The brick and limestone structure reflects influences of the Victorian and medieval revival styles. Interior space includes living quarters in the front for the sheriff and jailer. Steel-clad prisoner cells are located in the back section. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1981
You can search all Hill County Historical Markers and War Memorials at this Link
and
Read Former Museum Leader Richard Greenhill's Museum History Here
Other Information and Resources:
Hill County Information from Geneology Trails
Hill County Geneology Project TxGenWeb
Our Historical Markers and War Memorials
Hill County in the Texas Almanac
Hillsboro City Library Geneology Resources