The popular Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin has opened a new classroom and learning laboratory to teach young people about the forest products industry and its importance to the economy of east Texas.

The new classroom space was made possible with a grant from the Ernest L. Kurth Jr. Charitable Foundation.

Museum Director Rick Bray describes the project as the base camp for the museum's educational programs, especially the summer programs.  Bray says the classroom can also rented for birthday parties or other community functions.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Huffman said many of us wouldn't be living in Lufkin or even east Texas if not for the forest products industry.

It's worth mentioning that the museum didn't need to be expanded to add the  classroom and learning lab.  They just converted and adapted a large storage closet in the administration office.

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