VISION
The Dallas Historical Society endeavors to be the preeminent resource for exploring, preserving and instilling appreciation for the diverse history of Dallas and Texas. The stories of Dallas are shared each day at the Dallas Historical Society (DHS) through the three million items that comprise our archives and artifact collections. ABOUT US
On March 31, 1922, George B. Dealey and 100 other charter members founded the Dallas Historical Society. It was incorporated as an educational institution on August 10, 1922. Since its’ founding the society has focused on collecting, preserving, and interpreting materials relating to the history of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, and the Southwest. The society originally operated out of the library of Southern Methodist University, but moved to the Hall of State at Fair Park in 1938. The society is a private nonprofit organization, and membership is open to the public. LIBRARY
Dallas Historical Society operates the George B. Dealey Library at the Hall of State, which is open to the public by appointment. The library's holdings include 2.5 million archival documents, 1 million photographs, 14,000 books, and 3,000 periodicals. The collection contains rare books and manuscripts on the founding of the Republic of Texas, Texas since 1845, and Dallas and North Texas. Large archival collections include the papers of local, state, and national leaders, such as pioneer attorney John C. McCoy, nineteenth century businesswoman Sarah Horton Cockrell, Congressman Hatton W. Sumners, Democratic party leader Thomas B. Love, George W. Briggs, Sam Acheson, Joseph W. Bailey, Jessie Daniels Ames, Dallas Morning News publisher George B. Dealey, Anne Chase "the Heroine of Tampico", philanthropist Elmer Scott, P. Pacheco Martinez, Margaret Scruggs Caruth, John M. Moore, and the 1936 Texas Centennial Commission. The society's museum collection has tens of thousands of items, including 3,500 costumes. The collection centers on the social, economic, and political history of Dallas and Texas. Rare items include the spurs of Antonio López de Santa Anna, and the watch of James W. Fannin. In recent years the society has made strong efforts to acquire items documenting the different cultures living in Dallas and North Texas. RESEARCH
The collection of the DHS is accessible for research via phone, email requests or in person by appointment. Please email our Research Department at [email protected] or call 214-421-4500 ext.110. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Each year, the Dallas Historical Society (DHS) serves thousands of students, providing more than half with free or discounted educational programs. Teachers can choose from a variety of offerings available at either at the Hall of State or in the classroom, which gives students the opportunity to experience Dallas and Texas history though tours, performances, events, exhibitions and Society initiatives through the Access to History program. One popular program features historic characters, dressed in period-appropriate costumes, who recount their live experiences for the students. All education programs are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum standards which prepare students for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. PUBLIC PROGRAMS
DHS draws from its collection, exhibits, and a network of local historians to educate and present a wide variety of public programming. The Brown Bag Lunch Series allows the community free access to a wide range of historic topics such as The History of Fair Park, Texas Eats, and Wild Women of the West. Other public programs include book signings, lectures, panel discussions, hands-on activities, classes, performances and workshops. EXHIBITS
The DHS draws on its vast collection of Dallas and Texas historical artifacts to create unique exhibits at the Hall of State in Fair Park. Many items from the Society’s collection are displayed at the Old Red Courthouse in downtown Dallas and numerous other locations throughout the Metroplex. MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT
Membership in the DHS helps support the Society’s education programs, exhibits and collection. A membership not only strengths the Society and help it accomplish its goals of preserving history and serving the communities, but also offers many benefits. Members receive various discounts, invitations to special exhibit previews and “member only” events, access to publications and much, much more.
