Living History Days bring Collin County history to life with craft demonstrations by our Living History Group,  Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, stagecoach rides, and a blacksmith.  Historical re-enactments are scheduled throughout 2009.  February brings a vintage fashion show at the Bevel House featuring fashions from 1850 to the present day.  March Living History Day includes a fashion exhibit from The Heritage Guild of Collin County's collections and an Easter Egg Hunt kicked off by our school marm at 1:30.  Mark your calendar for April 18-19 for the Living History Days Civil War Skirmish complete with Civil War campsites and Ghost Stories by the campfire!  May brings back the Trinity River Desperados to entertain with their stagecoach robberies and skits. 

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.  We currently need docents for school tours and anyone who is interested in cleaning the houses monthly!

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!  If you have out of town guests in McKinney for your event, we recommend the Holiday Inn & Suites...ask them for the Chestnut Square Historic Village rate!

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!  2009 camps will be held in June and July with a new offering for older campers this year!

 

Avoid the Lines....

Buy your tasting wrist band online by clicking the link above!

Where to Park on July 4?  Click here

Free Air Conditioned Trolley Rides from

Downtown Parking Lots

 

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 1850-1930. 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:


  • The Mckinney Farmers Market continues in 2009!  Look for more vendors and all the great produce and entertainment  you enjoyed in 2008!  Cafe Malaga is onsite with fresh breakfast and lunch entrees! 

  • In 2009, Chestnut Square will host The Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank-Off on Saturday, July 4.  Ice cream cranking starts at 9:00 a.m. with judging at 11:30 a.m. and public tasting at 12:00 p.m.  New this year, avoid the lines and buy your wrist band for tasting here.  Enter your favorite recipe!  Entry forms here

  • Weddings are  bettter than ever at Chestnut Square!  Our new Bevel Reception House and remodeled Chapel hosted more than 150 weddings in 2008.  Remember to keep Chestnut Square in mind for your historic moment! For more information on our facility rentals and wedding offerings, call Laurie at 972-467-9823 or contact us.

  • 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.