In a nod to its heritage, Fort Worth City Hall is now home to a set of personal items once belonging to the city's namesake, Gen. William Jenkins Worth. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, aligned with the city, has rolled out the exhibit for public viewing, situating pieces of local history amid the hustle of civic management.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibit: "It is truly a gift to display this collection in the lobby of City Hall for the community to enjoy," according to the City of Fort Worth news release. She elaborated on Fort Worth's commitment to honor its historical roots while surging forward into the future, a sentiment that rings particularly true as these artifacts, which trace back to conflicts such as the War of 1812 and the Mexican American War, bring a tangible element of the past into the contemporary public sphere.
Among the showcased items are military staples such as a Chapeau de Bras and a ceremonial sash circa 1845. Desirous for the public to connect with the legacy at their doorstep, these pieces help tell the story of Worth's impact from the battlefield to the very name and foundation of the city.
Steven Sprague, a descendant of General Worth, relayed the family's pride in seeing these heirlooms preserved and publicly displayed, "Our family appreciates the commitment to the preservation of these historical items of Gen. William Jenkins Worth, the namesake of this city," the city news release reported. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has put significant effort into restoring these donated artifacts for their new role in the city's public education and appreciation.
