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 on September 14 with Scout Days!  Join us from 1:00 – 4:00 to enjoy Dutch oven cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, crafters and re-enactors and a stagecoach ride. Scout activities will include tours, old-fashioned games, leather working and more!  Click here for more information about future Living History Days.
  
  
• Calling all members and volunteers! We want to say Thank You! Join us for a luncheon on Thursday, September 4 at the Bevel Reception House. Alice's Tea Shoppe will cater the event and we'll have a guest speaker - Kimberly McCoig Cupit, Curator of Collections, Denton County Museums. Please RSVP to Meloldy at 972-562-8790 or info@chestnutsquare.org.

  
  

• Collin County History Comes to Life on September 13, 2008 with Richard Privitt as Collin McKinney in the original play, "The Lost Letter" by award winning play write Andy Wilkinson.  The one man play will feature Collin McKinney during the Washington on the Brazos constitutional convention.   Tickets are $25 for the play, dessert and silent auction and $100 for dinner at Rick's Chophouse, the play, dessert and silent auction.  Call the McKinney Performing Arts Center to purchase tickets: 214-544-4630.
  
  

• The Mckinney Farmers’ Market is taking root in its first season at Chestnut Square.  Every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 12:00 through October 25 local farmers will bring the best of their crops to Chestnut Square.  The Farmers’ Market includes produce, meat, eggs and more! Come on out and enjoy an old fashioned market day with coffee, lemonade and scones from Alice's Tea Shoppe. Shop for old-fashioned craft items and pick up some great produce, eggs and meat.
  
  
• The Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk debuts on Friday, October 25.  Take this self-guided tour to experience the unique legends of downtown McKinney.  Ghostly sightings are not guaranteed, but lots of shivery fun is!
  
  
• Wedding season is in full swing and we're already planning for 2009!  Check out our January and February specials.  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 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.