About the Arlington Historical Society
Preserving Arlington Heritage Since 1887
Originally called the Cemetery Society when founded on August 27, 1887, the Arlington Historical Society has been preserving and promoting the history of Arlington, Texas for over 135 years. The society operates the Fielder Museum, located in the historic Fielder House at 1616 W. Abram Street, built in 1914 for Mr. and Mrs. James Park Fielder, Sr. as their private residence. This elegant two-story brick home, surrounded by magnificent oak trees, was one of the first brick residences in Arlington and now serves as the centerpiece of the society's preservation efforts.
The museum houses an extensive collection of photographs, menus, maps, programs, books, ephemera, and yearbooks covering topics from Native American history to 9/11. The galleries showcase Arlington's development through exhibits on major construction projects including General Motors, Six Flags Mall, and Arlington Stadium, plus a notable World War II collection highlighting the community and its hometown heroes. Each room is carefully furnished with authentic period pieces, alongside exhibits showcasing tools, clothing, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Arlington's pioneers and early development.
Beyond the main museum, the society serves as caretaker for the city's historic cemeteries, Knapp Heritage Park (featuring a one-room schoolhouse, one-room cabin, dog trot cabin, and Bardin blacksmith barn), and maintains invaluable archival materials including old newspapers, family histories, and photographs essential for researchers. The museum is open 11 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with tours also available by appointment. Permanent exhibits include the Fielder Kitchen, Dining Room, Media Room, Doctors Office, and extensive collectables in the basement.
Plan Your Visit
The Fielder House Museum is located at 1616 W. Abram Street in Arlington. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with tours also available by appointment. Knapp Heritage Park, located nearby, features additional historic structures including a one-room schoolhouse and log cabin. For information about tours, special events, and research services, visit arlingtontxhistory.org.
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