Visit us and explore the people, places, and progress that define our community and discover Collin County’s Story in a Historic Landmark.
This building is located in the beautifully preserved 1911 McKinney Post Office, the Collin County History Museum brings the region’s rich heritage to life. Through exhibits, artifacts, and community programs, we preserve and share the stories that shaped Collin County—past, present, and future. |
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Front Page News |
Elvis J. Nelson Cherokee Collection |
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Throughout March, the museum is honored to present Native American artifacts on loan from Linda Nelson from the personal collection of the late Lt. Col. Elvis James Nelson, Jr. (1940–2025).
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Nelson served from 1962 to 1982, including service in Vietnam, and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he received the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism in 2013 and was designated a Cherokee Elder in 2023. This exhibit reflects his deep pride in Cherokee heritage and honors his life, service, and contributions as a respected member of the Collin County community. |
2026 Art Spring Show
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We are proud to host the Art Club of McKinney’s 2026 Spring Show, Seeing Red, open to the public during regular hours Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at the Collin County History Museum, 300 E. Virginia St., McKinney.
This members-only exhibition features original artwork by emerging and established club artists, all incorporating this year’s theme, Seeing Red, with touches or bold expressions of red. Guests may vote for their favorite piece for the People’s Choice Award, which includes a $250 cash prize. The winner will be announced at the Artist Reception on Saturday, March 28. Click on the link for more info https://artclubofmckinney.org/2026-spring-show |
Celebrate Native American Service in the Armed Service |
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We’re honored to attend “Why We Serve – Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces” at the Irving Archives and Museum on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1 PM. This Smithsonian exhibit, in coordination with For Gallantry & Service, shares the incredible stories of North Texas and Oklahoma Native American veterans, including Native American Medal of Honor recipients.
We’re also excited to share that Elvis Nelson will be featured as part of the Irving exhibit. Back at Collin County History Museum, The Elvis Nelson Cherokee Collection is part of our literature collection in the research room and will be highlighted in a pop-up gallery exhibit in March — a perfect way to connect our local history with the broader stories of service. Come celebrate and learn about the rich legacy of Native Americans in our Armed Forces. |
Tax Season in Collin County History
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Meet Theodore Augustus "T.A." Parris (1856 - 1930), a Collin County public servant whose career spanned teaching, farming and county government.
Born in Grayson County in 1856, T.A. moved to Highland with his family in Collin County in 1866. He began his career as a teacher, working at schools in Verona and Highland between 1879 and 1885. After leaving the classroom, he turned to farming and served as tax accessor in his precinct. In 1908, T.A. and his family moved to McKinney where he served four years as a Deputy in the Collin County Tax Accessor's office under I.E. Reeves. He then served as Deputy District Clerk and Deputy County Treasurer. In the 1920s, he was elected to two terms as Collin County Treasurer, overseeing County funds in an era where every dollar was tracked by hand. This photo shows T.A. Parris in his office. It is a glimpse into the 20th-century county government. Photo courtesy of Diane Miller, great-grand niece of T.A. Barnes. T.A. retired in the late 1920s and passed away in 1930. His family remained an enduring part of McKinney history. His daughter, Lena Parris Kendall, lived in the family home at the corner of Oak and Lamar Streets until 1992. That home, known as the U.P. Clardy House, was added to the National Treasure of Historic Places in 1987 for its architectural significance. Visit us at the museum to discover more of Collin County's history! |
2026 Art Meets Poetry Exhibit & Showcase
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We are thrilled to welcome the Art Club of McKinney , Texas, as they bring together local artists , art enthusiasts, and supporters for the 2026 Art Meets Poetry event. It takes place February 6-7, 2026, at the Collin County History Museum. For more information, visit https://artclubofmckinney.org/2026-art-meets-poetry.
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1st Friday Holiday Mixer
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1st Friday Happy Hour at the Collin County History Museum!
Kick off the holiday season with us this Friday! Bring your friends, your festive spirit, and yes--BYOB—but don’t worry, we’ll also have some 3 Nations craft beer and Christmas cookies courtesy of our friends at 3 Nations Brewing. Guess who’s stopping by? Santa himself! Our Letters to Santa writing station will be open for all ages, so come get those wishes in early! The museum will be open for exploring, so take your time, look around, and enjoy a relaxed, holiday-themed happy hour in downtown McKinney. Come for the cheer, stay for the history! We can’t wait to see you there! |
Movie Night at the Museum
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Join us for an Evening of Cherokee Culture and History! Experience Cherokee songs, stories and a free screening of the Trail of Tears: Cherokee Legacy, introduced by the film's producers.
Come early to explore the Museum's exhibits - including the new Research Room, home to the Elvis J. Nelson Cherokee Collection. |
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$27,000 In Donations Raised for Museum
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Thanks for your financial support for our latest fund raiser - the Bike Ride to Lubbock. The purpose of the ride was to raise money and awareness for the museum. Board member John Royer rode his bicycle 343 miles from the steps of the museum to the Lubbock city limit sign. Thanks to the many generous donations from our supporters! One hundred percent of the donations will go directly to museum operations.
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Gala Postponed
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The Collin County History Museum's Board of Directors has chosen to reschedule our annual Gala for the spring of 2026. This decision was made to ensure the event's success and allow us to better coordinate with our busy fall schedule.
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Announcing Second Big Adventure!
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Fifty years after his first epic bike ride from Dallas to Lubbock, John is embarking on a second 340-mile journey starting August 19 to raise vital funds for the Collin County History Museum.
This iconic museum, housed in a historic 1911 post office in Downtown McKinney, depends on community support to preserve local history and offer engaging educational programs. John’s ride is a passionate effort to bring awareness and financial assistance. You can support John’s ride by making a donation—either a one-time gift or by pledging per mile. Every dollar raised goes directly to the museum. Learn more and follow John’s progress on Facebook and Instagram at John’s Second Big Adventure. |
Grand Opening Research Room |
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Collin County History Museum Opens New Research Room with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The Collin County History Museum marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its new Research Room, celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 2nd. The event welcomed community members, local leaders, and honored guests from the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Community of North Texas in recognition of this exciting addition to the museum. A highlight of the day was a special tribute to the late Elvis Nelson, whose wife, Linda Nelson, generously donated 229 books from his personal collection. Focused on Cherokee history and culture, the collection now serves as a cornerstone of the Research Room and a lasting testament to Mr. Nelson’s legacy. |
Elvis Nelson was a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a member of the Cherokee Community of North Texas (CCNT), Elvis Nelson was honored with the Cherokee Medal of Patriotism (2013), named a Cherokee Elder (2023), and recognized by the City of Parker for his service.
The museum extends heartfelt thanks to Linda Nelson and the Nelson family, the Cherokee Community of North Texas, and the Cherokee Nation for their continued support of historical preservation and cultural education.
The museum extends heartfelt thanks to Linda Nelson and the Nelson family, the Cherokee Community of North Texas, and the Cherokee Nation for their continued support of historical preservation and cultural education.
