In 1941, while on a visit to Dalhart during the XIT Rodeo and Reunion, author, J. Frank Dobie made the comment "You ought to make this exhibit permanent." Dobie was speaking about a temporary exhibit organized each year during XIT. The exhibit material was on loan from past cowboys and area historians. Discussions concerning the establishment of a Dalhart museum began about this time. In 1963 the Dallam Historical Survey Committee was organized and began placing medallions on historical structures, collecting information on historical sites and developing a historical museum.