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 |
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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New Museum Director
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We are excited to announce Alana Shuma as the new Director of the Collin County History Museum. Alana is an 8th generation Texan and a resident of McKinney. She is an experienced Museum Director and Curator with a history degree from North Central College in Illinois. She previously worked at The Museums of Lisle Park in Lisle, Illinois and The Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, Alana has been recognized for her academic research work and curatorial work. Alana is an active volunteer for a variety of organizations including Daughters of the American Revolution and loves spending time with her family.
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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.
