Museum Staff

New Director for the Depot Museum

Michelle Cooper is an experienced educator and librarian with thirty years of experience creating engaging learning experiences for diverse audiences. Throughout her career, she has fostered collaboration, community partnerships, and innovative educational programming while promoting lifelong learning.

A recognized leader in education and library services, Michelle has received numerous state and national honors. Michelle is constantly striving to improve her educational practices and create innovative learning opportunities for students and colleagues.  She is a co-founder of #TXLchat which provides a forum for Texas librarians to create collaborative connections, share educational resources, and foster lifelong learning. Michelle is the 2016 TCEA Library Media Specialist of the Year, 2017 AASL Advocacy Ambassador Finalist, a Tech & Learning Leader of the Year, a Makey Makey Ambassador, a Common Sense Media Ambassador, 2016 TASL MVP Honorable Award for Excellence, 2016 TLA Branding Iron Award for Social Media, and she has served on several committees for the American Library Association,  the American Association of School Librarians,  and the Texas Library Association. As Director of the Depot Museum, Michelle combines her passion for education and history.

Meet and Greet | June 18th

Join us as we welcome the newest members of our Depot Museum family!  Come say hello to our incoming Museum Director, Michelle Cooper, and Assistant Director, Amy Turlington — and meet our very special guests, the Heritage Syrup Festival Syrup Team.

Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at Noon at the Depot Museum. Light lunch will be served.

We'd love to see you there! Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.