Meet the Team

Stewart most recently served as the Museum Manager for the Peel Compton Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas where she led the museum and staff to achieve accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, a multi-year and extensive process, while managing day-to-day operations across the historic site. After accreditation, she led the museum through several large projects including celebrating the house museum's 150th anniversary. Prior, she was the Coordinator for the Mississippi Landmark Program within the historic preservation department at the Department of Archives and History for the State of Mississippi. Stewart earned a B.A. in Classics and History at the University of Mississippi and a M.A. in History and Museum Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. 

"I am thrilled to join the Historical Society and continue the work with community partners to educate on the important history of Bastrop County and the surrounding areas," Stewart said. "I'm honored to work alongside the board and staff, and further the impact of the Visitor's Center and Museum on the community and visitors."

Candice has proudly called Bastrop home for many years, raising her family amid the charm and history of the community she loves. With a wealth of experience in historical museums, cultural organizations, and civic institutions, she brings both passion and professionalism to everything she does. Her deep knowledge, warm personality, and commitment to preserving local heritage make her an invaluable part of the museum team.

Traci is from Nebraska and took the scenic route to Bastrop via Kansas, Iowa, New Jersey, Korea, Venezuela, Louisiana, Indonesia, and California.  She has worked for the states of Texas and Louisiana, for a Dept. of Defense/NASA-funded research/database project, GE Medical, the VA Medical Center in Houston, the UT-Austin Library, and Del Taco.  Most recently, she did a little jail time (photo op only) as a volunteer at the Rosenberg, TX, Police Department. She and her husband reside in Bastrop with a yard full of leaf-cutter ants, moles, and deer.

Gloria originally started as a volunteer here at the Visitor Center and proved herself to be a hard worker and dynamic greeter that she was eventually hired to be the Visitor Center Associate. Gloria moved to Bastrop over 35 years ago from Michigan and has been a loyal resident ever since. She loves greeting anyone walking through the doors and helping them with travel tips, museum secrets or just a listening ear.

Alyson Ache brings a deep passion for community, hospitality, and local storytelling to her role as Visitor Center Manager at the Bastrop Historical Museum & Visitor Center. With extensive experience in community outreach, event coordination, and public-facing communication, she is dedicated to ensuring every guest feels welcomed and connected to the rich history of Bastrop County.

Alyson has built her career supporting small-town vitality through roles with the New Braunfels Downtown Association, the City of New Braunfels, and local businesses and organizations where she coordinated events, managed outreach campaigns, and strengthened partnerships. Her creativity, warm personality, and genuine enthusiasm for helping others make her a natural fit for visitor services and community engagement.

Though new to Bastrop, Alyson is excited to learn the stories, traditions, and history that make the community so special. She looks forward to supporting the museum’s mission and helping visitors discover the charm, character, and heritage that define Bastrop.

Born in Hallettsville, Texas, Barbara received a B.A. in History from Lamar University and taught Texas History for 31 years in the Spring Branch Independent School District.  Barbara and her husband, Alex, retired to Bastrop in 2001.  She has been with the Museum for 19 years, responsible for museum operations including accounting functions, museum and bus tours, general correspondence, press releases, quarterly meetings, and preparing the membership newsletter.

Rachel takes care of the communications and marketing side of the museum and anything else that's needed! Born in Utah and raised in New Mexico, Rachel's journey led her to Texas straight out of college, and she has called the Lonestar State her home ever since! A former History and English teacher, Rachel has a passion for historical education and loves being creative, making this position her dream job. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and running. Rachel's favorite season in Texas is Spring, when she can bask in the beauty of bluebonnets and enjoy the pleasant weather. A proud Texas Longhorn (Hook'em) and BYU Cougar (Go Cougs!), she is excited to be on the Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center team!