Farmers Branch Historical Park

Street Address: 2540 Farmers Branch Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75234

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 819010 Farmers Branch, TX 75381

Contacts: Derrick Birdsall, Superintendent Phone: 972-406-0184 Fax:

Phone: 972-406-0184  
Fax: 972-247-3939  
Email: 
Museum Web Site: www.farmersbranch.info
Museum Type: History , Historic House

Region: North/Central


Admissions: None, donations accepted


Governance:

Type: municipal


About the Museum:

Tucked away in 22 acres of open and wooded land, the Farmers Branch Historical Park is home to 10 historic structures that interpret life in North Texas from 1840-1940. The 1856 stone home of Dr. Samuel Gilbert is the oldest rock structure in Dallas County that is still on its original foundation. The 1870s Log House and single crib barn from Pilot Point, Texas were brought to the Park and restored to represent the initial pioneers to this region in the 1840s. The 1890s Chruch from Renner, Texas, represents the typical North Texas church of the period, and is still used for weddings and community meetings. The original Farmers Branch School, built around 1900, has been restored and moved into the Park. A Queen Anne Victorian Cottage, built in 1885 in Gainesville, Texas, was relocated to the Park and restored in 1996. The 1937 home of the first mayor of Farmers Branch, called the Dodson House, is our youngest historic structure. There is also a rare wooden caboose next to the Farmers Branch depot and a replica of a 1930s Marathon Gas Station complete with a 1936 Ford cab-over-engine truck that is part of Farmers Branch local history. Guided tours are available by appointment.


History:

Year Founded: 1986


The Historical Park was dedicated in 1986 to preserve and share the history of the City of Farmers Branch. Historical Preservation and Restoration Board was established in 1981-1982. The Park staff has grown from one part-time curator to 5 full-time staff and 2 part-time attendants. The Park grounds have increased from 2 original structures to 8 historic structures and 2 replicas.


Facilities:

22 acre Historical Park with 10,500 square feet total; 12,000 square feet exhibition area; 75-person performance area; wheelchair accessible; other services for people with disabilities available upon request.


Artifacts Collections:

3000+ artifacts from the 1840s-1940s, representing local and regional history. Some genealogical information regarding local pioneer families; photograph archives of regional focus.


Research Collections:

1000 items of local information; some genealogical information regarding local pioneer families; photograph archives of regional focus; local oral histories


Exhibitions:

Items are obtained specifically for traveling exhibits. Some reproduction; available for touring; contact the park office. Exhibits are taken to schools by docents in costume.

The Historical Park has developed several traveling exhibits, primarily for school visits. These exhibits focus on the 1840s pioneer period, such as “Kitchens, ” “First Woman Pioneer in Farmers Branch: SARA KEENAN,” and our most popular “Pioneer Toys and Games.” We are in the process of making these exhibits available as educational trunks that could be sent to teachers with informational packets as a pre-visit activity or instead of a visit if they are at some distance from Farmers Branch.

Programs, Education, and Special Events:

The Historical Park offers self-guided tours during Park hours. Guided tours are available by not upon appointment. Costumed, volunteer-led tours of the historic buildings are available for large groups by special appointment. School tours are scheduled in advance for Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Teacher in-service days are offered regularly in August. The Historical Park also offers docent training sessions, monthly docent lectures, seasonal training workshops, and special docent trips to visit other historic sites in Texas. Special Events at the Park include: Texas History Alive!; Easter Eggstravaganza; Independence Day Fireworks; Archeology Fair; Halloween in the Park; and Christmas in the Branch.


Publications:

Quarterly newsletter, educational curriculum guide, “Once Upon a Time in Farmers Branch,” “Pictorial History of Farmers Branch,” Docent training manual and Historical Park visitor brochure.


Other Services:


Library:

Open to general public, students, scholars; 500 volumes; circulates print materials; no appointment necessary; cannot assist with inter-library loans.

Visual documentation of collections currently in progress. Contact Superintendent about rights and reproduction; duplication fees - cost of reprinting.
Appointment required:  False


Staffing:

Position	Name	Phone	Email
Superintendent	Derrick Birdsall	972-406-0184
Curator	Joanna Davis	972-243-8569
Maintenance Technician	Tony Derrick	972-406-0184
Museum Educator	Barbara Judkins	972-406-0184
Administrative Assistant (rentals)	Kim Jolly Chapman	972-406-0184