Last updated: 1/2/2014
Dallas, Texas
Street Address
3939 Grand Av.
Dallas, TX 75210
Mailing Address
P. O. Box 150038
Dallas, TX 75315
phone: 214-421-4500
fax: 214-421-7500
web: www.dallashistory.org

Hours

Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 1 time a month (varies) 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Jack Bunning
phone: 214-421-4500
Diane Dynis
phone:
e-mail:
Jamie Marshall
phone:
e-mail:
Alan Olson
phone:
e-mail:
Susan Richards
phone:
e-mail:
Dealey Campbell
phone:
e-mail:
Samantha Dodd
phone: 214-421-4500
History

The Dallas Historical Society was organized in 1922 by 101 prominent citizens who wished to promote historical inquiry into the history of Dalls and the state of Texas. They envisioned a group where interested individuals could gather to discuss, research, and preserve these histories.

Now a non-profit cultural organization in Dallas, the Historical Society maintains and conserves the city-owned Hall of State in Fair Park, a national landmark. The building was constructed in 1936 as the centerpiece of the Texas Centennial. The building is the jewel of Fair Park, considered one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the United States.

In 1986, the building was restored at a cost of approximately $1.5 million from private and bond funds. At that time, the G. B. Dealey Library was opened as a research center and is considered one of the primary sources for Dallas and Texas information.

The Dallas Historical Society gained a national reputation with the presentation of major exhibits such as Romanov Arts: The House of Fabergé and Catherine the Great: Treasures of Imperial Russia from the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, which attracted over 500,000 visitors in 1992. The prestigious Emery Award for major economic impact on the City of Dallas was presented by the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau to the Society in 1993.

Most recently, the historical society's Bound for Texas was honored with a museum education award from the Texas Historical Commission.

Artifact Collections

The total museum collection consists of an estimated three million artifacts. The collection holdings are listed in a manual card catalogue. Broad categories are: clothing & textiles, building fuirnishings, personal artifacts, tools and equipment, communication artifacts, fine and decorative art objects, recreational artifacts, societal artifacts and structural elements. the collection is restricted to items reflecting Texas and Dallas area history. Of special interest are items pertaining to the establishment of the State of Texas, the County and City of Dallas and personal items from some of the founding families.

Educational Programs

Programs, prices and dates listed here are valid through May 1998. To schedule any program listed, please call Partnership Booking Service at (214)823-7644. Payment must be received two weeks in advance. There are not refunds. Call the education department of the Dallas Historical Society with program questions.

Hall of State Guided Tour: This guided tour utilizes murals, statues, architecture, photographs and current museum exhibits to illustrate Texas History, while providing a unique learning setting. Teacher materials available $2.00 per person. Suggested for grades 4&7. Maximum of 60 students.

Bound for Texas: If you're teaching Texas history, this hands-on program is the field trip for you. Guided tour begins with Native Texans and ends with the Civil War. Program complies with current state mandated EE's. Teacher materials available $2.00 per person. Suggested for grades 4 & 7. Maximum of 25 students.

DHS 75: Our History, Your History: Studying Dallas's history? This guided tour takes students through 75 years of Dallas and DHS history. Teacher materials available $2.00 per person. Suitable for all grade levels. Maximum of 25 students.

History Through Their Eyes: Using Primary Sources to Explore the Past: Utilizing the remarkable collection of Dallas Historical Society archives, students will learn research skills and how to use primary documents as sources $2.00 per person. Suggested for grades 4-12. Maximum of 25 students.

Fair Park Walking Tour: Explore the history of the architectural treasure known as Fair Park. Discover this Art Deco jewel in your own backyard. This self-guided tour covers the history, art and architecture of this national treasure. Teacher packet and map provided $10.00 per teacher packet. Suitable for all grade levels.

Outdoor Encampment: Step back into history when your class visits this 1880's campsite. Students can observe and participate in crafts like carding, spinning, laundry, and quilting. Guides in period costumes lead students through the campsite providing information and stories from days gone by $2.00 per person. Recommended for grades 4 & 7. Maximum of 60 students per time slot.

Jane Long: Woman of Texas Play: One of last year's favorites is back for four more shows! This one woman play focuses on the life of the "Mother of Texas", Jane Long. Provides excellent enrichment for Texas history classes $2.00 per person. Recommended for grades 4 & 7.Maximum of 400 students per show.

The Life and Times of Sam Houston: You can visit with General Sam Houston either at the Hall of State, or have him come to your school to visit with your students. General Houston arrives for either performance in character and costume to share his life experiences. Outreach available Mondays and Tuesdays only. Available at the Hall of State Wednesdays-Fridays. Both programs are $2.00 per person. Recommended for grades 4 & 7. There is no maximum number of students that can view him on outreach programs. 400 maximum at the Hall of State.

Tales from the Trail--Outreach Program: Reminisce with old "Big Tex" as he remembers his life and adventures on the cattle trail. Stories, songs, and hands-on objects brings the life of a Texas cowboy to your classroom. Teachers materials available $50.00 per program. Recommended for grades K-4. Maximum of 30 students per program.

African Americans in History I &II: Froswa Booker-Drew, educational consultant, leads this program focusing on African American contributions from Africa to present day. Using discussion, photographs, transparencies and trivia games, students cover Frederick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman and many more important historical figures $50.00 per program. Level I recommended for grades 1-3, Level II for grades 4-6. Maximum of 30 students per program.

Nuestra Historia: Our Hispanic Heritage Discovery Trunk: Spend a week using this educational supplement and discovery trunk learning about Mexican American customs and traditions that grew out of our Hispanic heritage. Trunk includes games, hands-on objects, tapes, videos and teacher materials.

Publications

Quarterly newsletter and semi-annual history journal; Dallas Rediscovered, When Dallas Became a City, Letters of John Milton McCoy 1870-1881.

Services
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
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2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

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2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

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