Exciting news for those that would like to research in person again! Now that the public libraries are open again, patron are able to schedule an appointment to do research in the Dallas History and Archives. Appointments will be required and you can set one up by emailing [email protected] to start the process. They will send you information on how to make the appointment, preparing for your visit, what to expect with your appointment, and a form to fill out. For more information on the library openings go here.

Roadside parks have provided travelers with a place to stretch their legs and picnic for many years. Thanks to the work of a young immigrant from the Netherlands, the Texas Highway Department pioneered the look and use of Texas’ roadsides. Join us as we listen to Renee Benn, Sandra Chipley, and Jason Dupree, all with TxDOT, to learn about the status of these roadside parks, the history of the young landscape architect, and how you can be a part of TxDOT’s historic preservation process.

The Farnsworth House, designed by Mies van der Rohe, was built in 1951 for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. The 2200 sq ft glass and steel pavilion was built on a river floodplain west of Chicago and launched Mies’s American career. In 1971, the home was purchased by Peter Palumbo, who restored and enriched the property with a world-class collection of modern sculpture, removed prior to his selling the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2003. Since 2018, a new and broader mission and vision have been emerging, rooted in the property’s history as a rural retreat and center for creativity and wellness. Join us as Farnsworth’s Executive Director, Scott Mehaffey, describes the revitalization of the Farnsworth House, a National Historic Landmark that attracts nearly 12,000 visitors per year and continues to influence modern architectural design.

Mark Russo will be sharing the smallest County in Texas biggest mystery — the Rock Wall. Is it Natural? Is it Man-made? Is it made by something Super-natural? Mark is a 17-year resident of Rockwall County, currently serves on the Rockwall County Historical Commission, and is Past President of the Rockwall County Historical Foundation.

Save the Date for the return of the InTown Outings in September! The first one will be the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture so that everyone can see it one last time before it closes down so that it can relocate to accommodate the building being converted into the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. More information to come!

Become an authority of historic Dallas neighborhoods! This popular seminar includes lectures from local experts on architectural history and styles of Dallas, historic and conservation district designations, sustainability, how to research the history of a building, and more! Participants receive a copy of Virginia McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses and a complimentary one year Individual membership to Preservation Dallas. 

Save the Date for our Fall Tour! This year the tour will feature several of the incredible historic cemeteries around Dallas for attendees to tour and learn about their history and markers.

Photo by Glenn Johnson

This newsletter is sent to all current and past members, and those interested in preservation in Dallas. To become a member or to renew or upgrade your membership, please click here: