Denison, Texas -- The June meeting of the Grayson County Historical Society on Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at Frontier Village & Museum.

This month's speaker will be Sam Oswald, Executive Director of the Red River Railroad Museum, located in Denison's historic Katy Depot. Sam will present the fascinating history of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad—better known as the "Katy" Railroad—and its lasting impact on Denison, Grayson County, and North Texas.

The Katy Railroad played a pivotal role in the founding and growth of Denison. In 1872, it became the first railroad to enter Texas from the north, transforming the region into a major center of commerce, transportation, and industry. For generations, the railroad provided jobs, connected communities, and helped drive the economic development of our region.

Sam brings a wealth of experience to his role at the Red River Railroad Museum. Before moving to Denison in 2020, he served as Executive Director of the Texas Tech University Independent School District, an award-winning online academic program. A graduate of Eastern New Mexico University with a degree in Art, Sam later earned a master's degree in Commercial Graphic Design from West Texas A&M University. He currently serves on the board of Grayson County Historical Commission. Sam has worked extensively in all areas of museum operations, including exhibit design, business management, and fundraising. We are proud and grateful for his leadership and dedication to preserving our area's railroad heritage.

We hope you'll join us for this engaging presentation and an evening of local history.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members. We hope you enjoy sharing in our monthly gatherings and learning more about the rich history of Grayson County. If you ever need information about the Society, please feel free to contact our President, Mike Shaw, or any member of the Board of Directors.

The Grayson County Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Frontier Village & Museum. Doors open at approximately 6:00 p.m., and the program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Members, friends, and anyone interested in the history of Grayson County are always welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there for an informative and enjoyable evening.

The Grayson County Historical Society

President-- Mike Shaw  903-464-9962
Vice-president -- Linda Turner
Secretary-- Donna Park
Treasurer--Marie Ridinger
Program Coordinators:
Jeri Bassett GCHS 
gchs1961@gmail.com
903-647-5674
Sam Wortz
swortz@frontiervillagemuseum.org
214-223-9019
Board Members--
     Gerald Alblas
      Sam Wortz
     Jeri Bassett