Mission of the Collin County History Museum:
We strive to preserve and honor the past, connect with the present, and embrace the future-together we can bridge generations and promote education.
FREE Admission on Saturdays from 10am - 4pm
To schedule groups or private tours please contact us: [email protected]
To schedule groups or private tours please contact us: [email protected]
Front Page News
Director's note on historic weather events

I am not a native Texan. However, I have called Collin County home for several years. During my time in this great state, I have had the unfortunate encounter, on occasion, with extreme weather, either in my own city or surrounding cities and communities. In the aftermath of these events, communities have come together in the most remarkable ways. In true Texas spirit, the response to helping neighbors next door or neighbors miles and miles away, Texan’s and the love they have for their communities during time of need is notable. While researching the history of radar, The National Weather Service, and the growth of technological advances in tracking and identifying tornadoes, all in preparation for this pop-up, I have learned that Texans are admirably resilient. Photo-Melissa tornado damage Melissa, TX, 1921.

Cherokee Book Collection Donation & Research Room Launch
Date: Friday May 2, 2025
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Location: 300 E. Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069
Admission: Free!
Join us in celebrating the newest addition to the museum—a special preview of the recently donated Cherokee book collection from Linda and Elvis Nelson.
Highlights of the event:
This exciting event also marks the official opening of our new Research Room, featuring a dedicated section for preserving and exploring Cherokee history and culture.
Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and hear from a lineup of engaging speakers as we honor this generous contribution and the legacy it represents.
Date: Friday May 2, 2025
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Location: 300 E. Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069
Admission: Free!
Join us in celebrating the newest addition to the museum—a special preview of the recently donated Cherokee book collection from Linda and Elvis Nelson.
Highlights of the event:
This exciting event also marks the official opening of our new Research Room, featuring a dedicated section for preserving and exploring Cherokee history and culture.
Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and hear from a lineup of engaging speakers as we honor this generous contribution and the legacy it represents.

MUSEUM MIXER
An Evening of Artifacts, Culture, and Connections
Date: Friday May 9, 2025
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: 300 E. Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069
Admission: Free!
Join us for an exclusive night of artifacts, music, and mingling at the Collin County History Museum. Experience captivating exhibits and connect with fellow museum enthusiasts.
Highlights of the Night:
An Evening of Artifacts, Culture, and Connections
Date: Friday May 9, 2025
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: 300 E. Virginia St. McKinney, TX 75069
Admission: Free!
Join us for an exclusive night of artifacts, music, and mingling at the Collin County History Museum. Experience captivating exhibits and connect with fellow museum enthusiasts.
Highlights of the Night:
- Exclusive after-hours access to museum exhibits
- Music
- Cocktails and snacks
- Engaging networking opportunities
Special Donation Announcement

The Collin County History Museum is pleased to announce a generous donation from Linda Nelson on behalf of her husband, Elvis Nelson. This thoughtful gift consists of 229 books from Mr. Nelson’s personal collection, which include scholarly research, collectibles, and valuable insights into the history of the Cherokee people.
Elvis Nelson was a proud member of the Cherokee Community of North Texas (CCNT) and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He was honored with the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism in 2013 and was designated a Cherokee Elder in 2023. His service to the local community was recognized by the City of Parker with a citation in 2023.
This collection will play a key role in our research room, which is set to open to the public in May.
We are deeply grateful to Elvis and Linda Nelson for their contribution and their dedication to education, research, and accessibility, which will help enrich the community's understanding of the diverse groups that call Collin County and North Texas home. For more information on The Cherokee Community of North Texas and the cultural and community events they offer, visit the website here!
Elvis Nelson was a proud member of the Cherokee Community of North Texas (CCNT) and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He was honored with the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism in 2013 and was designated a Cherokee Elder in 2023. His service to the local community was recognized by the City of Parker with a citation in 2023.
This collection will play a key role in our research room, which is set to open to the public in May.
We are deeply grateful to Elvis and Linda Nelson for their contribution and their dedication to education, research, and accessibility, which will help enrich the community's understanding of the diverse groups that call Collin County and North Texas home. For more information on The Cherokee Community of North Texas and the cultural and community events they offer, visit the website here!
Texas Historic LandmarkThe museum is located in the historic 1911 Federal Building. It’s a great place to discover historical artifacts, photographs, documents, maps, archival newspapers, and records. The Collin County History Museum makes learning a fun experience and is a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, authors, teachers, and students.
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Created in Collin CountyThe Collin County History Museum invites you to explore our Created in Collin County exhibit. This exhibit offers visitors the chance to appreciate the many wonderful things that have come from Collin County. Historic photos, artifacts, and set designs of iconic buildings help tell the stories of the businesses, ideas, products, and people that have shaped Collin County’s history.
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Museum VisitorsThe museum is FREE on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact the museum to schedule groups and private tours. Street parking for the museum is available. There is also a free covered parking garage across the street, accessible from Chestnut Street.
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