Past Events
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Nancy Ward: A Story of Courage, Leadership & Legacy Featuring C.D. Mayfield, Eighth Great-Grandson of Nancy WardOn September 11, the Collin County History Museum welcomed the community for a special evening of remembrance, history, and storytelling presented in partnership with the Cherokee Community of North Texas.
Guest speaker C.D. Mayfield, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, longtime Allen Police Department officer, and eighth great-grandson of Nancy Ward (Nanye'hi), shared the remarkable story of his ancestor’s courage, leadership, diplomacy, and lasting legacy. Guests learned about Nancy Ward’s role as an influential 18th-century Cherokee leader and Ghigau, or “Beloved Woman,” as well as the people, events, and traditions that shaped Cherokee history. The program also highlighted a connection to the museum’s own collection, which includes Descendants of Nancy Ward: A Workbook for Further Research by D. K. Hampton (1997), part of the Elvis James Nelson Cherokee Research Collection. The free community event included networking and light refreshments, followed by Mayfield’s presentation, “Nancy Ward: A Story of Courage, Leadership & Legacy.” |
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Museum MixerOn Friday, July 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Collin County History Museum hosted a special after-hours event that brought the community together to celebrate local history. Guests enjoyed exclusive access to the museum's exhibits, live music, cocktails, and light bites, all in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for history and culture enthusiasts to connect and explore the stories that shape Collin County. It was truly a memorable night of discovery, conversation, and community. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and made the event such a success.
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Museum MixerThe Collin County History Museum hosted an unforgettable evening at our Museum Mixer: An Evening of Artifacts, Culture, and Connections on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Guests enjoyed exclusive after-hours access to our exhibits, mingling among fascinating artifacts while soaking in the sounds of live music. The atmosphere was lively and inviting, with delicious cocktails and snacks served throughout the evening. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with fellow history and culture enthusiasts, sparking meaningful conversations and new friendships. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special night of community and discovery—we look forward to welcoming you back at our next event!
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Cherokee Book Donation and Research Room Ribbon Cutting
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the Collin County History Museum celebrated a milestone event with the Cherokee Book Collection Donation & Research Room Launch. Guests gathered from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM for a special preview of the Cherokee book collection generously donated by Linda and Elvis Nelson. This collection is a treasure trove of Cherokee history, offering invaluable insight into the culture and legacy of the Cherokee people. The event also marked the official opening of our new Research Room, a dedicated space designed to preserve and explore Cherokee history and culture for future generations. Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy light snacks while listening to an engaging lineup of speakers, who shared stories about the collection and its significance. This thoughtful donation is a testament to the importance of preserving cultural history, and we are incredibly grateful to Linda and Elvis Nelson for their generosity. Thank you to everyone who attended—your support helps us continue to honor and share the rich history of our community. We look forward to welcoming you back for future events.
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Family Movie NightThe Collin County History Museum recently hosted a cozy and fun-filled Family Movie Night, bringing the magic of the movies to our historic building! Guests arrived with their own chairs and blankets, ready to relax and enjoy a special screening of Night at the Museum in a truly fitting setting. Families settled in beneath the museum’s charming architecture and atmosphere while munching on complimentary popcorn, creating a perfect blend of history and entertainment. Laughter and excitement filled the space as kids and adults alike experienced the adventure unfold on screen—surrounded by real artifacts and exhibits! Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening—we look forward to seeing you at our next movie night!
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Storytime at the MuseumThe Collin County History Museum hosted a special Story Time event on Saturday, February 8th at 12:00 PM, where families gathered to enjoy a reading of Benji and the Tornado by Joe Camp. This heartwarming story captivated kids and adults alike, celebrating the beloved canine hero, Benji. The event also offered a unique opportunity to explore our pop-up exhibit, Honoring Benji, which highlights the legacy of this iconic movie pup with rare photos, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes stories. It was a delightful afternoon of storytelling, learning, and nostalgia. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we loved sharing this special experience with you!
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Historic Halloween BashThe Collin County History Museum hosted a spooky, family-friendly event that brought history to life with a festive Halloween twist! Guests enjoyed enchanting story time sessions, exclusive guided tours of our mysterious basement (rarely open to the public), and a variety of hands-on crafts perfect for all ages. Families came dressed in costume, explored local legends, and took part in fun photo opportunities throughout the museum. It was a magical evening filled with laughter, learning, and a touch of the supernatural.
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Photos with SantaThe Collin County History Museum was filled with holiday cheer during our festive Photos with Santa event! Families from across the community gathered to celebrate the season in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Children had the magical opportunity to meet Santa Claus himself, share their Christmas wishes, and pose for heartwarming photos in a beautifully decorated, historic setting. The museum was decked out in twinkling lights, garlands, and vintage holiday décor, creating the perfect backdrop for treasured family memories. Guests also enjoyed holiday-themed crafts, sweet treats, and cheerful music that brought smiles to kids and grown-ups alike. The joy and excitement were contagious, and it truly felt like stepping into a classic Christmas card. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special event—we can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year!
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First Friday Holiday MixerOn December 5, 2025, the Collin County History Museum welcomed the community for a festive 1st Friday Holiday Mixer! Guests gathered after hours at the museum to celebrate the holiday season with friends, neighbors, and plenty of holiday cheer. The evening featured BYOB refreshments, a special visit from Santa, and a relaxed holiday gathering in the museum, bringing the community together in the heart of Downtown McKinney. The event was presented in partnership with Three Nations Brewing Co. and offered a fun way to kick off the holiday season while enjoying the museum in a unique after-hours setting. Our 1st Friday events are all about creating opportunities for the community to gather, connect, and experience the museum in new ways.
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