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McKINNEY, Texas (June 29, 2009) – Pioneer Roots, an exhibit that reflects first person stories from North Texas pioneers, debuted at the North Texas History Center on Saturday, June 27.
The first immigrants to North Texas arrived in the 1830s, mostly from Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and other Upper Southern and Midwestern states. The new exhibit focuses on three distinct waves of immigration: Pre-Civil War, Post-Civil War, and circa 1910.
“One interesting part of this exhibit highlights the technological advancements that changed women’s lives,” said Sarah Hatcher, Education Curator at NTHC. “Appliances like the sewing machine and washing machine greatly reduced the workload of women over the latter half of the 19th Century.”
Visitors to the exhibit, which was developed by NTHC curators, are able to see many artifacts that have never been on display at the museum. In March, NTHC merged with the Denton County Historical Museum and acquired its more than 300,000 piece collection.
“The reason we’re able to completely create a new exhibit is because of the Denton collection,” said Bryan Lean, Senior Curator at NTHC. “We can give a more regional perspective and the resources that this collection has given us enrich the story of pioneers in North Texas.”
Janet Hobizal, 45, who was visiting from Wharton and is involved with the Wharton County Historical Commission and Museum, came to NTHC with her family to see the new exhibit.
“This museum has done a wonderful job of telling about life in pioneer days,” said Hobizal.
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. Carol Ann Brooks, 46, of Allen, brought her husband and their 3-year-old daughter Addie and watched as she was able to color a quilt square and dress up like a pioneer.
“The exhibit is great, and I know that my daughter has enjoyed it.” said Brooks.
The museum also features a gift shop that offers a wide variety of items for both kids and parents. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children, and $8 for families. 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. NTHC will be closed July 4 for Independence Day. For additional information, contact the North Texas History Center at (972) 542-9457 or visit our website www.northtexashistorycenter.org.
