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Receive an update on Historical Park current projects, events, and upcoming activities.
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Staff will be present to discuss the current projects, events, and upcoming activities happening at the Historical Park.
Calendar of Events for October 21 - December 31, 2024.
Haunts & Houses: Trick or Treating at the Historical Park
Bring your young and school-aged children to trick or treat and experience the Manske Library’s “Boo-Ville” area during this come and go event. Wear a costume and come to trick or treat at the Gilbert House, School House, Caboose, Queen Anne Victorian Cottage, and more! Characters will be on hand to distribute candy on a first-come, first-served basis, and to pose for pictures with your little ones.
Thur | Oct 24 | 4 - 6 p.m. (come & go) | Family Friendly | Free
Diá de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration
Diá de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. Join the Historical Park and the community as we welcome back and honor the souls of our deceased loved ones. Activities include musical and dance performances, Loteria, kids’ crafts, an air brush artist, and a beautiful community altar in the Old Church where attendees can pay respect and celebrate beloved family and friends. Notecards, candles, and flowers provided to place on the altar. Attendees are invited to bring duplicate photos or mementos to lay at the community altar to honor their loved ones; items will not be returned. Festival food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Fri | Nov 1 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.| Family Friendly | Free
Charcuterie Board Class
Want to impress your friends and family this holiday season? The Historical Park’s Charcuterie Board Class has you covered. Learn the basic skills of creating a beautiful charcuterie board and get hands-on, step-by-step instruction and guidance. All the meats, cheeses, and various nuts, crackers, fruits, and sweets are included; the best part is you get to graze on the board you create. Reservations are non-refundable.
Thur | Nov 7 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | $40 per person includes all materials; space is limited and pre-registration is required | Ages 16
Fall Family Minis: Photoshoot
The Farmers Branch Historical Park is excited to announce it is partnering with Rosa Poetschke Photography for a special day of fall family photo mini sessions.
What’s included in the session: 20-minute mini session, private online gallery, 8 digital images, print release rights, and $20 credit to online print store at www.rosapoetschke.com <http://www.rosapoetschke.com>. If you have questions and want some inspiration or outfit planning, feel free to message Rosa Poetschke Photography once you have booked your mini.
Sun | Nov 10 | sessions: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $150 per 20-minute mini session; pre-registration is required.
The Victorian Fencing Society presents a Grand Assault of Arms
A Public Exhibition of Nineteenth Century Fencing Matches, to be contested among the members of the Victorian Fencing Society with various fencing weapons to determine a champion. Visitors are invited to cheer for their champions, ask questions, and take photos of the events.
Sun | Nov 10 | 1 - 3 p.m. (come & go) | Family Friendly | Free
Mad Hatter Tea
Join us for our annual Mad Hatter Tea at Venue 1842! Don’t be late for a very important date! By order of the Queen of Hearts, you’re cordially invited to a curious tea party, complete with lunch, dessert, tea, lemonade, and a chance to snap a pic with Lewis Carroll’s, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland characters. “Every adventure requires a first step” as the Cheshire Cat wisely says. Recommended for ages 4 and up
Exciting new seating options! Table of eight: $240 and table of ten: $300. Community seating available, for individuals and smaller parties; $30 per seat. For questions, please call 972-919-8735. Space and tables are limited; pre-registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable. Don’t miss this whimsical wonderland.
Tickets on sale: Mon | Dec 2 | 8 a.m.
Tea: Sat | Mar 1 | 1 - 3 p.m.
Artchella Summer Camp 2025 with Paloma: All Things Toys
Join us for a fun-filled summer camp where imagination knows no bounds. Inspired by a love of all things toys, this camp is designed for kids who love to draw, paint, sculpt, and create. Ages 6 - 12.
Camp instructor: Paloma Nadine, Artist and C-FBISD Art Teacher
On sale: Mon | Dec 2 | 8 a.m.
Camp dates: June 16 - 20, 2025 | Camp times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$250 per camper; space is limited and pre-registration is required. Price includes all materials, including snacks.
Artchella Summer Camp 2025 with Paloma: Under the Sea
Get ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the wacky and wonderful world of under the sea. This exciting camp is packed with hands-on art projects inspired by the ocean. From creating your own underwater masterpieces to designing your underwater dream house, there's something for every aspiring artist. Ages 6 - 12.
Camp instructor: Paloma Nadine, Artist and C-FBISD Art Teacher
On sale: Mon | Dec 2 | 8 a.m. | Camp dates: June 23 - 27, 2025
Camp times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$250 per camper; space is limited and pre-registration is required. Price includes all materials, including snacks.
Girls Make History Camp 2025
Join the Historical Park on an adventure to meet girls from the past who have shaped America! Experience the life of girls from early pioneer days, the Victorian Era, the Jazz Age, the nifty 50’s, and ending with a celebration of the counterculture that made the 1970’s so exciting! Camp activities include cooking, baking, specialty crafts, outdoor nature walks, and lots more. This award-winning camp will explore the impact girls have made throughout American history! A snack will be provided. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer to camp each day. Price includes all materials. Camp will begin outdoors and rotate between several structures during the afternoon. Camper drop off and pick-up in the Historical Park parking lot. Ages 6 - 12.
Camp instructors: Bonnie Neumann - Historical Cultural Specialist, Lauren Prengler - Museum Educator, and Kim Jolly Chapman - Historical Park Coordinator.
On sale: Mon | Dec 2 | 8 a.m.
Camp dates: July 14 - 18, 2025 | Camp times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$250 per camper; space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Christmas Teas
Christmas Teas are a Historical Park tradition. Join us for an afternoon of live harp music, delectable treats, Christmas décor, and of course, tea.
Sat | Dec 7 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. - SOLD OUT
Sat | Dec 14 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. - SOLD OUT
$40 per person; $30 per Friend of the Farmers Branch Historical Park member; space is limited and pre-registration is required by calling 972.406.0184
Christmas Exhibit Tours
Fall down the rabbit hole and step into a curious dream as you visit the Historical Park's exhibit, A Celebration of Christmas: Alice's Adventures in a Winter Wonderland. The holiday comes alive as guests tour the Queen Anne Victorian Cottage where each period room has been transformed into fanciful vignettes adapted from Lewis Carroll's 1865 classic tale, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Marvel at the lush and whimsical Christmas decorations, but steer clear of the Queen of Hearts or it could be, "off with your head." Family friendly.
Sat | Dec 7, 14, and 21 at 12:00 p.m.
Fri | Dec 13 and 20| lantern-led at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
$5 per person; space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Holidays:
Thur | Nov 28 (Thanksgiving Day) - Park closed
Fri | Nov 29 (Thanksgiving Holiday) - Park closed
Tues | Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) - Park closed
Wed | Dec 25 (Christmas Day) - Park closed
Wed | Jan 1 (New Year’s Day) - Park closed
Operating Hours:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sat & Sun 12 - 6 p.m.
Park begins closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 3.
Park begins closing on Sundays in December.