Virtual Abilene
Abilene venues are finding fun ways to entertain people of all ages and interests. Enrich your days with the talented staff from your favorite places:
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum
The team at the 12th Armored are veterans at the long-distance learning game. They’re offering their skills and the use of their fully operational Distance Learning Studio to teachers and home school groups. Pick up the phone and call 325-677-6515 and talk to Executive Director William Lenches.
Follow them on Facebook and YouTube to find history, artifacts, and video presentations.
Abilene Public Library
Hosting online storytimes, as well as other programs via Facebook on Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 10:45 a.m.
Get a library card here.
Abilene Zoo
Tune in on Facebook for an educational live show each Wednesday at 10:10 am
Zoo fans can submit a video question to the animal team and get a response!
All rentals, parties, and reservations of zoo facilities between now and April 30 will be canceled. Contact the Abilene Zoo at 325-437-4902 for rescheduling or refunds
All seasonal events at the Abilene Zoo through April 30th are canceled except for Senior Discovery Day (TBA)
Tune in at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily this week to Suddenlink cable channel 2 for a fun educational episode with the Abilene Zoo's Education Director Joy Harsh, followed by a book reading by the NCCIL executive director Trish Dressen.
Closed to the public until May 1.
The Center for Contemporary Arts
Watch the Center's Facebook LIVE for online classes:Monday - Dirty Drawers Figure Drawing Session at 6 pm.
Tuesday and Thursday - ArtHEALs activity at 3 pm.
Wednesday - current exhibit tour
Friday - Enso Digital Painting demonstration
Staff is available by appointment only.If you are an artist and need to drop off or pick up art, please email center@center-arts.com or send a message through Facebook or call (325)677-8389.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center
Sports fans can stay active and motivated by participating in daily sports and fitness challenges, inspirational messages and coach interviews.
Local athletes also will be sharing their life in an “Around My Block” segment. Follow social media channels: AYSA on FB and IG, Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center on FB.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Dyess AFB Memorial Museum and Linear Air Park
Take a visual tour of Dyess Linear Air Park, one of the largest airparks in the U.S. Air Force with 34 historic aircraft.at this Dyess Linear Air Park virtual tour.
Military history fans and patriotic people can follow the museum's social media to find compelling military history.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Read more about military attractions here.
Frontier Texas!
The Museum will reopen to the public the week of May 18th.
Echo, the Frontier Texas! watchdog is the museum's new social media manager while the facility is closed. Catch her canine insights on the museum's social media pages. She's a good girl.
The Grace Museum
Take a driving history tour of the city with stories from Abilene's historian extraordinaire, Jay Moore.
Take a 5-minute virtual tour of the newest art exhibition, David McManaway: Cult of the Commonplace with a guided explanation and introduction by Chief Curator Judy Tedford Deaton.
The Children's Museum on the second floor is closed until the end of April
Family Night: International Infusion: Rescheduled for July
Join The Grace Museum Facebook LIVE at 2 pm with a special collection highlight.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Historic Paramount Theatre
Stay up-to-date with everyone's favorite historic landmark on Instagram and Facebook.
All public events through May 1 are canceled.
National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature
Join NCCIL for a Facebook LIVE reading, Tuesday – Friday at 1 pm CST
Tune in at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily this week to Suddenlink cable channel 2 for a fun educational episode with the Abilene Zoo's Education Director Joy Harsh, followed by a book reading by the NCCIL executive director Trish Dressen.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Taylor County History Center
Homeschoolers can access a digital format "History Detectives" materials to teach students about museum artifacts and the behind-the-scenes role of a museum curator.Be a curator at home! They have uploaded printable activities and educational content to this google drive folder, separated by grade levels.
The center also has created packets for anyone who needs hard copies. Those can be available for pick-up in a box outside the gate (no contact needed) Available by phone 325-572-3974 or e-mail Monday - Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Temporarily closed to the public.
Storybook Capital of America
Visit your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in this 360-tour of Everman Park in downtown Abilene.
Children's coloring book and pages here.
MORE VIRTUAL ACTION:
Virtual Cowboy Poetry Under the Stars May 7, 8-9 pm, will kick off a virtual weekend of Western Heritage Classic fun, May 8-10. Everyone is invited! Watch the WHC Facebook page to see the action.
May 8: 8 pm Live Music by Blan Scott Band
May 9: 9 am Live demo of Chuckwagon Cooking8 pm Live Commentary by Bob Tallman
May 19: 9 am Live workshop with Jeff Gore
Firecycle Abilene is offering free virtual live rides. Got a home bike? Join them for a 45 minute upbeat class with music, a short arm weight routine, and a reflection song. They promise an old-school, inspirational, heart-pounding indoor cycling experience. Mondays, 5:30 pm, Tues/Thurs at noon at Zoom #205-560-9245.
Painting with a Twist is offering Twist at Home kits through the month of May. Purchase a kit for your future masterpiece from the gallery page and order online. Kits include media, 2oz of paint colors, 2 paintbrushes, and a disposable cup. Orders placed on the day of pickup must be 3 hours in advance. The studio is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 pm-6 pm for pickup.
Free WiFi Hotspots
Provided by WesTex Connect in cooperation with the City of Abilene, Abilene, and Wylie ISD, plus other communities and school districts around the Big Country.
All you need to do is drive into the respective parking lot and stay in your vehicle. All social distancing requirements will be strictly enforced.
Locations:
PE Shotwell Stadium, 1525 E.S. 11th St., North parking lot,
Wylie Bulldog Stadium, 4334 Antilley Rd.
Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St., North parking lot
City Pavilion, 106 Cedar St., Clyde, TX
Badgers Stadium, S. 7th St. & Haynes, Merkel, TX
Sutherland's Lumber, 210 SE Georgia Ave. Unit A, Sweetwater, TX
Farmer's Co-Op Gin of Stamford, 504 S. Swenson St., Stamford, TX
Users can access the internet through any device with WiFi capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
On your device, search for available networks and connect to WesTex_Connect_WIFI
The first time you connect it takes you to a page to accept the terms and conditions. Click FREE and then click I AGREE.
You should then be automatically connected to the Wifi.