Join us on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. for a tour of the buildings at Chestnut Square. Learn about the homes and the families that lived in them from 1854 – 1920.
On the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. take a trolley tour through McKinney's Historic District. Our knowledgeable docents will share McKinney's history and beautiful architecture from the comfort of the historic trolley.
Private tours are also available by reservation. Pair a Chestnut Square tour, trolley tour or historic speaker with a tea in our beautiful Dulaney House or Bevel Reception House.
Want something spookier? We've got Ghost Tours for you! The Ghostly Hauntings of Chestnut Square tour is available every third Saturday at 8:00 p.m. This two-hour behind the scenes, lantern lit tour of Chestnut Square tells the haunted history of each house.
For reservations for any of our historic tours, please call 972-562-8790 or email info@chestnutsquare.org
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Living History programs at Chestnut Square bring Collin County history to life with craft, blacksmithing, and cooking demonstrations by our Living History Group.
February brings a vintage fashion show featuring fashions from 1850 to the present day.
April through October enjoy old-fashioned entertainment at our weekly Saturday farmers market. In April, mark your calendar for our Civil War Days complete with Confederate and Yankee campsites, muket firing, surgery demonstrations and ghost stories by the campfire! June is the Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival featuring the Killis Melton Ice Cream Crank-Off with lots of old-fashioned fun and entertainment!
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 or public tour, help put exhibits together, demonstrate crafts or perform reenactments at our Living History Days, you’re helping to bring history to life.
Birthday parties at Chestnut Square are historically fun! Enjoy a fun-filled two hour Prairie Schoolhouse Party focuses on prairie living activities and old-fashioned games for ages 5-12.
School field trips will take your students back in time with fun, hands-on activities that are linked to TEKS objectives. Can't make the trip to Chestnut Square? We'll bring our programs to you!
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.
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! 2013 camps will be held in June and July.
If you've visited Chestnut Square you've probably met our ambassador, Chester the Cat. Chester adopted us in 2011 and has been greeting visitors since then! He loves to accompany the docents on tours and hangs out in Dixie's Store during the Farmers Market. He's always up to something and now he has a book documenting his escapades! "Chester of Chestnut Square" is the first in a series of books that introduce young and old to Chester, Chestnut Square and McKinney's History. Order your book today.
Click here to purchase or Click here to become a member and receive your FREE GIFT of a "Local Flavors" cookbook!
learn more about Mckinney's History
We've got a great tour of McKinney's Historic District for you to enjoy! Learn about the history of McKinney and see the beautiful homes in McKinney's Historic District (second only to Galveston!)
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.
We also offer weekly events, facility rentals and more!
The Mckinney Farmers Market continues in 2013! Voted #2 in Texas and #3 in the U.S. in the "America's Favorite Farmers Market Contest" sponsored by Farmland Trust, the Historic McKinney Farmers Market continues to grow! Look for more vendors and all the great produce and entertainment you enjoyed in 2012! Our weekly markets begin again on April 6. Enjoy a bottomless cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito from Market Street.
Weddings are bettter than ever at Chestnut Square! Our Bevel Reception House and Chapel hosted more than 100 weddings and receptions in 2012. Remember to keep Chestnut Square in mind for your historic moment! For more information on our facility rentals and wedding offerings, call 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! Your 2013 membership will include a FREE "Local Flavors" cookbook from the McKinney Farmers Market.
Make a difference to Chestnut Square today. Donate to our operating fund or endowment fund or sponsor a building or program.
