North Texas residents and visitors will have weekend access to Irving’s Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums, 3925 Jackson St., beginning March 10. Comprised of three museums, the historic Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center will be open to the public for self-guided tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Upcoming weekend opportunities to visit the museums include March 10, April 14, May 12 and June 9.
“Providing Saturday access to Irving’s Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums on a monthly basis is a great educational opportunity for families and visitors who want to explore the history of one of North Texas’ oldest African-American communities,” said Councilman Dennis Webb.
Tours will be available for all three museums at the center including the Bear Creek Freedom Settlement Museum (located in the historic Masonic Lodge), the Bear Creek Community Museum in the J.O. Davis House, and the Sam Green House Museum. The museums provide visitors with a glimpse of what life was like for African-Americans in the South during an era of segregation.
“The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center museums are hidden gems in the heart of Irving’s historic Bear Creek community,” said City of Irving Archivist Kevin Kendro. “A visit to the Bear Creek Heritage museums in Irving is time well spent for residents and visitors who are interested in knowing more about national, as well as local, African-American history.”
Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum tours also can be coordinated by calling (972) 721-2501.
