The Whiteside Museum of Natural History could not have been possible without the vision and generosity of Judge Clyde Emerson Whiteside. Born on May 2nd, 1927 in Seymour, Texas, Judge Whiteside was a lifelong philanthropist devoted to supporting his hometown through community and economic development projects. His career in law and politics spanned more than 60 years and served in numerous legislative and judicial capacities. He served two terms in the Texas State Legislature before continuing his education at Baylor University Law School. Upon returning to Seymour, he established a law office and was soon elected to the position of County Attorney and later District Attorney for a total of 14 years. Judge Whiteside then moved to Austin, Texas and served as chairman of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole, for more than 10 years. For the next 23 years, he served as District Judge for Montague, Clay, and Archer counties, after being appointed to the position by the Governor of Texas. In 2013, Judge Whiteside purchased a building in Seymour with intentions to create a museum for the community that would preserve and display the rich fossil history of Seymour, Texas. Located on the corner of Washington and Nevada streets, the Oakland Pontiac car dealership, circa 1930, would become the home of the Whiteside Museum of Natural History. Following the purchase of the building, Judge Whiteside hired paleontologist and museum director Christopher Flis to oversee the development of the museum, its exhibits, and all other aspects of the museum's operations and programs.