Soon afterward the name of the historical complex was changed to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum to reflect its broader role.

Along with the State Library and Archives in Austin, it has become a primary research center on the history and popular culture of the Texas Rangers.

In 1997 it was renamed as the Texas Ranger Research Center, with the permission of the Moody Foundation, to recognize its expanding role.

The Hall of Fame is a memorial to Texas Rangers who significantly contributed to the development of the service or died heroically in the line of duty.

A separate mission of the Hall of Fame is the compilation of a memorial roll of Texas Rangers killed in the line of duty from 1823 to 2004.