We have lots of ways for you to volunteer at Chestnut Square.  The time you spend at Chestnut Square can make a big difference.  Whether you pitch in to maintain the buildings and grounds, docent for an elementary school tour, help put exhibits together, demonstrate crafts or perform reenactments at our Living History Days, you’re helping to bring history to life.

When you hold your next historic moment at Chestnut Square Historic Village you’ll be able to customize the experience to meet your vision for the day.  Our helpful staff will work with you to decide on the best  setting for your event and provide tables, chairs and linens.  You take it from there!  You’re free to select your florist, caterer and entertainment.  We provide the setting for you to make your own history!

Hear the hammer’s clang on the blacksmith’s anvil. Taste delicious Dutch oven cooking. Touch cloth woven on an antique loom. See how butter is churned. Smell the campfire. Yesterday’s living is a treat for the senses at The Chestnut Square Prairie Adventure Camp!

Chestnut Square Historic Village brings Collin County history to life with events, educational programs and tours. The collection of ten historic houses and buildings represent life in Collin County from 1850-1920. Our docents lead public tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and share their knowledge about Collin County history, the houses and buildings and the families who lived in them. Come down and visit for a tour or one of the following upcoming events:

• Our 2008 Living History Days continue in May.  Join us from 1:00 – 4:00 on Sunday, May 18 to enjoy Dutch oven cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, crafters and re-enactors and a stagecoach ride. Our May Liiving History Day will feature shoot-outs and stage coach robberies put on by the Trinity River Desperados.  Get  your picture taken with a real desperado!  Click here for more information about future Living History Days.
  
  
• Our quarterly member and friend event for second quarter will be a “high tea” on Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 – 7:00 in the Bevel House. Come on out and learn about different teas and how they work with different foods. Enjoy a hearty “high tea” meal from Alice’s Tea Shoppe in McKinney. Owner Cyndy Long will share knowledge of teas with everyone as we enjoy the experience. Price for the tea will be $25 person and proceeds will benefit Chestnut Square Historic Village.
  
  
• The Mckinney Farmers’ Market is here!  Every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 12:00 vendors will be here to provide produce, meat, eggs and more! Local vendors will set up throughout the square and Dixie’s Store will be open. Come on out and enjoy an old fashioned market day with coffee and pastries available at Dixie’s Store.(We now carry American Girl products, too!) Shop for old-fashioned craft items and pick up some great produce, eggs and meat.  The Red River Dulcimer Group will be at the Market on May 17 to entertain!
  
  
• We're building a fence along McDonald St. to further define Chestnut Square (so people can find us!).  The builder of the original fence along McDonald (Jim Cowlishaw) is spearheading the effort and he can use all the volunteer effort he can get.  This is a great, high quality fence that costs a lot more in material today than it did 20 years ago...but we can all see how well it has stood up over time.  Call us at 972-562-8790 if  you can volunteer your help.  We have lots of other opportunities for  you to help out, too.  Just call us! 
  
  
• It’s time to sign up for our summer camps! Our ever popular Prairie Adventure Camp will be offered six times during June and July. Sign up now to reserve your spot! New this year at Chestnut Square we’re offering Miss Julie’s School of Manners and History for Young Ladies all summer. Check out the schedule.
  
  
• Wedding season is here and we’ve spruced up the chapel with a new coat of paint and new carpet. The Chapel Garden has been cleaned up and the roses are in bloom. Remember to keep Chestnut Square in mind for your historic moment! For more information on our facility rentals and wedding offering, call Laurie at 972-467-9823 or contact usCheck out our Pre-June wedding special
  
  
• We’ve changed our membership structure to offer even more benefits…check out our membership form and sign up today!
  
  
• Check out our latest newsletter to learn what’s happening at Chestnut Square.
  
  
• Make a difference to Chestnut Square today. Donate to our operating fund or endowment fund or sponsor a building or program.