Treasure of the Month

“Such a library as ours would not only contain books and current periodicals,
but there would be…articles of historic, scientific, and artistic interest.”
~ Frank C. Patten, Head Librarian of Rosenberg Library, 1904 – 1934

The Library accepted its first museum piece shortly after it opened in 1904. Since then, thousands of rare and interesting objects from around the world have been added to the collection. Displayed in these pages are the Library’s “Treasures of the Month.”

During the month of June, Rosenberg Library will honor the late June P. Ross (1921 – 2001). On display will be an assortment of items related to her long career as a community leader and an advocate for seniors and children in need.

June Pickney Ross

June Pickney Ross was born in Washington, D.C. in 1921. She attended Howard University before joining the Women’s Army Air Corps. Reaching the rank of Sgt. Major, Special Services, Ross received an honorable discharge and accepted a position with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. She first came to Texas in 1953 and began her career as a radio broadcaster in Houston. Ross later transitioned into non-profit work, and served as the executive assistant of the Harris County Community Action Association.

Ross eventually settled in Galveston, and in 1973, she became the executive director of the Galveston County Community Action Council. In this role, she established senior citizen centers in Hitchcock and La Marque and implemented a Meals-on-Wheels program. She oversaw the Galveston Head Start program and was involved with the Children’s Summer Feeding program as with well the Children’s Center.

Among other awards and honors, June Ross received the Rabbi Henry Cohen Humanitarian Award in 2000. After a long battle with cancer, she passed away in January 2001 at age 79.

The Treasure of the Month is located on the Library’s historic second floor near the East Entrance. It can be viewed during regular library hours, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, please contact the Museum Office at (409) 763 – 8854 ext. 125.