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Mackenzie Finklea, an American anthropologist and life-long museum enthusiast, will be signing her book, “Beyond the Halls: An Insider’s Guide to Loving Museums,”  Sat., June 20 from 1-3 p.m. at Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum.

"Beyond the Halls: An Insider's Guide to Loving Museums” is a book that speaks to museum lovers (and haters) who are looking to discover, for the first time, the history of museums and the dynamic nature of the industry. The book provides a brief history of museums while exploring the present nature of these institutions and thought-provoking ways to interact with them.

Finklea, who studied at the University of Texas at Austin earning a bachelor of arts in anthropology, a minor in architecture and a certificate in museum studies, was invited to speak at the TEDx conference at UT Austin about her research on internet memes and cyberculture. She has a long history of previous leadership roles and a vibrant fascination with displays of human culture. Finkle wrote “Beyond the Halls,” in a practical and fun way to entice readers to give museums a chance.

In the book, Finklea shares thoughtful insights, heart-warming stories and even games that can be played with friends. The book also explores the many ways to appreciate displays and gain more memorable, exciting experiences inside museums.

Therer will be a gusher enactment at 1 p.m to begin the event and “Beyond the Halls: An Insider’s Guide to Loving Museums” will be available in the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum gift shop for  $21.95 + tax. Admission to the museum will be free.  

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown is a replica of the boomtown that grew up around the Spindletop oil fields in the early 1900s. Located on US 69 at Jimmy Simmons Blvd in Beaumont, the museum is open Tue. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.