Why did you move to Texas?

The new exhibit, Pioneer Roots, reflects first person stories from North Texas pioneers, and highlights three distinct waves of immigration: Pre-Civil War, Post-Civil War, and circa 1910. 

“One of the interesting things you’ll learn in this exhibit is that some of the reasons people moved to Texas then are the same reasons people move here now: the land is cheap, there are many opportunities, and their family lives here,” said Sarah Hatcher, Education Curator for NTHC. 

One area of the exhibit focuses on technological advances. From the sewing machine that allowed women to do more in a shorter amount of time to the railroad that more efficiently connected North Texas with the rest of the nation, advances in technology have greatly changed the face of North Texas.

NTHC’s exhibit shows some of these inventions and the impact they had on daily life as well as the development of the region. There is also an area that spotlights cattle ranchers, specifically those in Denton County. 

“The photos of this area are phenomenal and a great deal of research was conducted on Pre-Civil War Era ranchers,” said Bryan Lean, Senior Curator at NTHC. 

The exhibit is filled with fascinating artifacts for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to the traditional main gallery, there is the non-traditional Hands-on Gallery, which allows visitors to experience what life was like for pioneers.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children, and $8 for families.

The museum also features a gift shop that offers a wide variety of items for both kids and parents.

About the North Texas History Center - Since 1957, the Collin County Historical Society has been dedicated to preserving and collecting items related to North Texas history. In 1982, CCHS was able to expand its scope and began exhibiting North Texas history in its newly acquired museum. Today, the North Texas History Center shares local history with students from across North Texas, and with visitors from around the world.

Through its thoughtfully created interpretive exhibits, NTHC is fulfilling its goal to share history and help visitors of all ages make meaningful connections between the past and present. NTHC, located at 300 E. Virginia just east of the square in downtown McKinney, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

For additional information, contact the North Texas History Center at 972.542.9457 or visit our website www.northtexashistorycenter.org.