Brown Bag lunches, quilting, tours and more Lone Star fun in store.
This fall, the soon-to-be-renovated Hall of State adds even more of a “Yee-Haw” to its Texas accent. From a rousing roundup of ranch memorabilia to some pretty fancy heritage quilts, this is one treasure house that begs to be explored this fall and beyond!
Lunch that packs a wallop of Texas spirit.
The Hall’s Brown Bag Lunch series, held from noon-1 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, has become a big hit with native and transplanted Texans alike. “Bring your own lunch and listen to some fascinating lectures,” says Dealey Campbell, Curator of Education. “You’ll learn about some of Texas’ most colorful characters, learn about controversial conflicts and relive some edge-of-your-seat dramas that shaped the Lone Star State.” Recent topics have included “Naughty Women of the West,” “Cowboys and Cattle Barons” and “Outlaws and Lawmen.” The entire program lasts under an hour, so you’ll be back to work quickly.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
All the spurs and saddles come out in the Hall of State’s current exhibit, The Land That Shaped the People: Texas Ranching Heritage, showcased in the North and South Texas rooms through November 1. “This is the story of how ranches shaped Texas over the past three centuries,” explains Ms. Campbell, “as told through the camera lens, artwork and ranch implements.”
Over 700 cattle brands are contained in the collection of the Dallas Historical Society, and some of the rarest are gloriously displayed in the exhibit. Says Ms. Campbell, “We are very excited to have among our specimens the brand of Stephen F. Austin, as well as the brand of José Antonio Navarro, who championed Texas’ Independence from Mexico and fought for the rights of Tejanos as citizens of the Republic of Texas and the United States.”
Rally ‘round the chuckwagon.
Continuing to emphasize the best of the Texas West, the Dallas Historical Society will hold one of its biannual children’s favorites, A Cowboy’s Chuckwagon, on November 7. Geared to Dallas Independent School District students, this special event shows what life was like for children in pioneer times. An actual chuckwagon is the centerpiece, with four interactive stations that involve students in making soap, churning butter, grinding corn, playing frontier games and other activities. They also get to meet early Texas characters like “Cookie the Cook” and a Texas Ranger. “Today’s children are entranced by the toys, chores and other aspects of pioneer living,” says Ms. Campbell. “This hands-on experience immerses them like no history book can.” Chuckwagon Days are put on by Texana, a children’s programming affiliate of the Dallas Historical Society, and take place on the Hall of State grounds.
Texas memories woven together.
Quilt Mania, a collaborative project with 17 different quilting organizations, features 40 to 50 unique quilts, some never before seen. “These quilts are simply incredible,” believes Ms. Campbell. “A circus quilt was woven together using the silks of actual circus costumes. One quilt is completely comprised of men’s ties. Others are quilts were made by prominent Texans like the mother of former Governor Bill Clements and such Dallasites as Sarah Peak Harwood. All are on display through the spring of 2009, although the exhibit will only be at the Hall of State through the State Fair.”
Follow in some mighty local footsteps.
Ever want to run with Bonnie and Clyde? Head for the headstones of Dallas’ most historic cemeteries? Then get ready for adventures on one of many Historic City Tours, arranged by the Dallas Historical Society. Most adventures are led by experts in local lore, famous Texas figures and interesting neighborhoods. All tours start at the Hall of State.
Who better than well-known Dallas author and personality Rose-Mary Rumbley to guide you through an “East and South Dallas Historic Journey” that reveals majestic homes on South Blvd. (Stanley Marcus, Aaron Spelling), McCommas Bluff where 1890s partygoers frolicked on steamboats, and such ‘hidden jewel’ communities as “Belle Starr.”
Local Bonnie and Clyde authority John Neal Phillips will keep you hot on the trail of those famous outlaw lovers—through West Dallas, Oak Cliff, Irving and Dallas. You’ll even visit a ‘safe house’ where a gunfight broke out among Clyde Barrow and six officers in 1933.
Other tours include “Getting Down in Deep Ellum,” “JFK Tour: Retracing the Steps of Lee Harvey Oswald,” and “Rediscovering Downtown Dallas.”
“We can also customize a tour for private booking,” adds Ms. Campbell. “For example, a group of realtors recently requested a tour of historic neighborhoods in Dallas. And we get a lot of conventions requesting bus and walking tours for their attendees.”
Check out the Dallas Historical Society's Historic City Tours at their web site for details on these and many other adventures in Dallas, Fort Worth and (coming soon) Grapevine, Waxahachie and Waco. Most are 5-6 hours in length, although there are some are shorter walking tours. Meals are typically included unless otherwise stated.
The Hall of State is also undergoing a renovation, so the museum will be more outreach based starting this year and next spring. “We’ve had some flooding in our archives and in the basement in the past several years,” says Ms. Campbell. “Foundation, roof and skylight repairs are also being made.”
If all things Texan truly have a home, it is the Hall of State. Discover how astounding its current showpieces really are!
For more information, visit Dallas Historical Society's web site.
