Schedule a tour of the Historical Park
Programs & Events
The Farmers Branch Historical Park offers a variety of programs, events and tours for citizens and visitors to Farmers Branch. On-site tours are available weekdays or by special appointment.
Please contact our Museum Educator, Danielle Brissette, by email or call 972.919.8731 to reserve a tour of the Historical Park.
Self-Guided Tours
You are welcome to come and explore the gardens, trails, and exteriors of our historic structures any time during our hours of operation. Some resources for your trip include:
- Our informational brochure available at the Museum Store or download one.
- The Interactive Map available on the Attractions page of this website.
- Using the Farmers Branch Historical Park Mobile App, a free app that includes news and events, a tour of the structures, and ways to contact the Park. Search for “Farmers Branch Historical Park” on your iOS and Android devices to find the app.
School Programs
The Farmers Branch Historical Park has provided almost 30 years of quality educational programming and offers free tours, activities and educational opportunities to all groups. By living history, students become active participants in learning about the past. Tours focus on learning through interactive activities and discussion. All tours are aligned with the TEKS standards and core curriculum guidelines. Reservations are required for all educational programs.
We offer programs for public, private, home school, and special needs groups as well as organizations, businesses, and civic leagues. Through guided living history, students become active participants in learning about the past. Tours focus on learning through interactive activities and discussion and can be tailored to meet your needs. All tours are aligned with the TEKS standards and core curriculum guidelines. Contact us for information or to schedule a tour.
Travelling Speakers
The staff of the Farmers Branch Historical Park has a variety of interests and passions that we’d be happy to share with you and your group. If you would like a staff member to come speak to your group, please contact us at 972.406.0184 or historicalpark@farmersbranchtx.gov. We do not accept payment or charge a fee for talks or discussions, although an honorarium may be paid to the Friends of the Historical Park if you prefer. Some more hands-on workshops may require the participants to pay the cost of materials.
Topics available include:
Beginners Workshop in Photography
During the course of this workshop, we focus on the ways to become more confident, competent photographers. Drawing on years of photographic experience, the workshop will be a fun start for those interested in taking better photos. Workshop can also be taught at a more advanced level. (Derrick Birdsall, Superintendent)
Caring for a Collection on a Small Budget, Little Time and Limited
The presentation can range from 30 minutes to a full-day workshop depending on the needs of the group. Topics covered include proper handling of objects, storage techniques and materials, photo documentation, and proper housecleaning guidelines.
Creating Cockades
A presentation and workshop on cockades, a type of historic jewelry and political statement that originated in the 1600s but can still be found on the runways of today.
Dressing the Historical Lady: Fashion and Clothing in the Victorian Era
A fun, informative presentation about clothing and fashion from years past.
Dueling: Pistols for Two, Coffee for One
A fun, exciting presentation about the history of dueling in the United States. Whether with pistols or sabers, this presentation takes conflict resolution to the next level.
Farmers Branch History
A presentation about the history and past of Farmers Branch and the surrounding areas, featuring images and objects from the Historical Park’s collections.
Hairstyles and How to Achieve Them
An hour-long presentation on the changing nature of hairstyles and accessories during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
How to Care for Your Art and Antiques
A 30-minute PowerPoint presentation on handling, displaying, and storing art and antiques in the home.
Log Cabin Living
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a log cabin? During this discussion you’ll have a chance to ask your questions to someone who actually has spent ten days sleeping, eating, and living in one of the Historical Park’s log homes.
Military History
A presentation designed to cater to the interests and desires of your group, this discussion can focus on virtually any conflict in which Texas or the United States participated.
The Art of Tea
This is a fun discussion which teaches about the traditions, etiquette and social interactions of formal teas and tea parties. We will look at how “having” tea has changed through the decades. (Kim Jolly-Chapman, Historical Park Administration)
Texas History
Another presentation which can focus on your group’s interests, Historical Park staff can discuss many aspects of Texas History including military history, the Texas Revolution, the Texas Republic, statehood, slavery in Texas, fashion in Texas, and more.
Using Your Local Museum as an Educational Tool – A presentation on ways to incorporate your local museum and cultural resources into your curriculum, classroom, or field trips. (Danielle Brissette, Museum Educator)
U.S. History
This presentation can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of your group or event. One of the Historical Park’s own staff will come to speak to you about almost any aspect of United States History. (Historical Park Staff)
Working on a Reproduction of Paolo Veronese's "The Wedding Feast at Cana"
A 45-minute presentation on one person’s experience of the painting that Veronese painted and Napoleon stole. Hear about the history of the painting, the religious symbolism used by the painter, and how the painting (more or less) went home to Venice.
Working Together: Creating Impact in the Community
This presentation is an exploration of the Historical Park and its workings with individuals, groups and businesses to establish a greater impact in the community. It will highlight the relationship between Dolly Graul, Mary’s Garden and Girl Scout Troop #7258 as they work together to create a beautiful space loved by all.
If you would like a presentation on a topic not listed above, please contact the Historical Park with your topic and ideas at historicalpark@farmersbranchtx.gov or call 972.406.0184.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a tour?
Please contact our Museum Educator, Danielle Brissette, by email or call 972.919.8731 to reserve a tour of the Historical Park. You’ll need to know which dates you’d like to visit, how many will be attending, which areas you’d like to tour, and when you will be visiting the park.
What does a tour cost?
Tours are free and available with reservation.
What about lunch?
We recommend that you bring a packed lunch. The Historical Park does not sell concessions, but we do have a number of picnic areas scattered throughout the Park and numerous trash cans. Please leave any trash in the bins and bags provided and Park staff will dispose of them after you depart.
Can we stop by the gift shop?
Yes! The Historical Park has a gift shop full of historic toys, candies, and other goods. You are welcome to visit the shop after your tour, but you can also order goods through the gift shop prior to your visit to save time or order pre-packed gift bags for your tour group.
How many chaperones should we bring?
The Historical Park requires 1 adult chaperone per 20 students. Additional chaperones are welcome to attend, although space inside the structures is limited and at times they may be asked to wait outside so that the students can participate fully.
How do I connect our tour to my classroom instruction?
There are a variety of worksheets and activities available for you to download or from the Educational Resources tab to the left of this page. Many of these worksheets are correlated with specific spots or themes encountered during your tour, but many others cover basic elements of Texas history, symbols, pioneer life, and the community of Farmers Branch.
Is there a tour cancellation policy?
Yes. In the event of poor weather or other circumstances, tours may have to be rescheduled or canceled. Read our full cancellation policy.
Can I tell you about our experience at the Historical Park?
Please do! We’d love to hear about your recent tour or experience at the Historical Park. Please fill out a survey to let us know how we can change and improve our tours to suit your needs.
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Upcoming Events
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