About the Dallas County Heritage Society
Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park
The Dallas County Heritage Society was established in 1966 to operate Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park, an outdoor museum occupying the site of Dallas's oldest public park. James J. Eakins donated ten acres south of downtown Dallas in 1876 to create City Park, making it Dallas's first official park. The society began moving and restoring historic structures to create a living history village, which became Dallas's first official bicentennial project. The park was renamed Old City Park in 1976, and in 2005 adopted its current name, Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park.
Texas's Largest Collection of 19th Century Buildings
Dallas Heritage Village is home to the largest and finest collection of 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes and commercial buildings in Texas. Under the auspices of the Dallas County Heritage Society and the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, thirty-seven historic structures dating between 1840 and 1910 have been moved into the 20-acre tree-shaded park from throughout North Central Texas. Residential structures include a simple dog-run house, a Greek Revival mansion, two Queen Anne houses, and a shotgun house. Commercial structures include a bank, print shop, and general store, plus a church, country school, train depot, and drummers' hotel.
Mission and Programs
The mission of the Dallas County Heritage Society is to provide a recreational space where visitors can connect with the past, inspire the future, and celebrate Dallas's rich diversity in Dallas's first and oldest public park. The village offers educational programs, tours of the historic structures, and special events throughout the year that bring North Texas history to life for visitors of all ages.
Plan Your Visit
Dallas Heritage Village is located at 1515 S. Harwood Street in Old City Park, south of downtown Dallas. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (reduced hours January, February, and August). The surrounding park grounds are open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 3-12 (reduced rates during summer and winter months). For information about guided tours, educational programs, and special events, visit dallasheritagevillage.org or call (214) 421-5141.
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