Exhibits

VISIT THE HALL OF STATE:

The Dallas Historical Society's Brown Bag Lunch Series
The second Wednesday of every month from noon to 1:00pm
Join us for lunch the second Wednesday of every month from noon to 1:00pm as the DHS shows off parts of its collection. Guest speakers and staff speak on a variety of topics relevant to the museum's holdings, including art, conflict, characters and commerce. Don't forget to bring your lunch! Groups should RSVP by calling us at 214.421.4500 x 101 or send an email.

• January: Texas Oil- Dealey Campbell
• February: Women of the West- Neila Petrick
• March: Entertaining the West- LaJuanna Faught
• April: Western Art- Guest Speaker, Dr. John Richardson, from the Amon Carter
• May: Texas Forts- Garland Richards
• June: Saloon Life- Ann Shelton
• July: Cowboys and Cattle Barons- Jack Edmondson
• August: Outlaws and Lawmen- Ken Holmes
• September: TBA
• October: No lecture due to The State Fair of Texas
• November: TBA
• December: TBA
  
  

  The Land that Shaped the People: Texas ranching heritage
  Sponsored by Sterling Bank
  Located in the North and South Texas Rooms
  June 7 through November 1, 2008
  
  Texas ranching dates back three centuries, but during and soon after Texas Independence, cattle-raising became well established. From Spanish land grants to newly arrived farmers who became cattle ranchers, the exhibit will give visitors an understanding of the early days of the cattle industry up to the time in the late 19th century when the massive ranches that established the “every thing was bigger in Texas.”
  
  The exhibit will also focus on how ranching was done. The day to day logistics of running a small spread to the giant cattle drives was a daunting task that took a special kind of person, not only to handle the chores but merely to survive. The working tools of the trade have been laid out for all to see.
  
  The enduring image and romantic ideals of the old west cowboy are also presented through art and photography from the collections of the DHS. The exhibit has been generously sponsored by Sterling Bank.
  
  

  Texas Under Six Flags
  Located in the East Texas Room and the Hall of Heroes,
  Now through November 1, 2008
  
  The collections of the Dallas Historical Society contains many rare and unique documents and artifacts relating to Texas history. A number of which have not been viewed by the public in many years. The exhibit focuses in on Texas history from the time it was occupied by Native cultures, discovered by Europeans, was an independent Republic, and continues through 1870.
  
  Some of the items on display include Santa Anna’s battle flag captured at San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth order which freed the slaves in Texas, letters and documents from settlers who had “gone to Texas”, Civil War items that include a surgeons field kit, an appointment by the Republic to Pinckney Henderson to represent the government in Washington to discuss the possibility of statehood “a matter to be carried out with the greatest secrecy and dispatch.”
  
  
  
  
  

  Our Park, Fair Park
  In the Sharp Gallery
  Now through November 1, 2008
  Originally built in 1886 as the site for the first "Dallas State Fair and Exposition," Fair Park has developed over the past 120 years into a year-round treasure. Still the host for the annual State Fair of Texas, the park is also home to a half dozen permanent museums, major music and theatrical venues, the Cotton Bowl, exhibition buildings, and gardens.
  
  Fair Park's history as the site for legendary sporting events, cultural activities, and military encampments is a colorful and fascinating one. But its future promises to be even brighter, thanks to dramatic improvements proposed under a new Master Plan.
  
  The Dallas Historical Society's new exhibit, "Fair Park-Our Park" recalls the past while offering hints of the future.