We have lots of ways for you to volunteer at Chestnut Square.  The time you spend at Chestnut Square can make a big difference.  Whether you pitch in to maintain the buildings and grounds, docent for an elementary school tour, help put exhibits together, demonstrate crafts or perform reenactments at our Living History Days, you’re helping to bring history to life.

When you hold your next historic moment at Chestnut Square Historic Village you’ll be able to customize the experience to meet your vision for the day.  Our helpful staff will work with you to decide on the best  setting for your event and provide tables, chairs and linens.  You take it from there!  You’re free to select your florist, caterer and entertainment.  We provide the setting for you to make your own history!

Hear the hammer’s clang on the blacksmith’s anvil. Taste delicious Dutch oven cooking. Touch cloth woven on an antique loom. See how butter is churned. Smell the campfire. Yesterday’s living is a treat for the senses at The Chestnut Square Prairie Adventure Camp!

Chestnut Square Historic Village brings Collin County history to life with events, educational programs and tours. The collection of ten historic houses and buildings represent life in Collin County from 1850-1920. Our docents lead public tours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and share their knowledge about Collin County history, the houses and buildings and the families who lived in them. Come down and visit for a tour or one of the following upcoming events:

• Our 2008 Living History Days continue on September 14 with Scout Days!  Join us from 1:00 – 4:00 to enjoy Dutch oven cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, crafters and re-enactors and a stagecoach ride. Scout activities will include tours, old-fashioned games, leather working and more!  Click here for more information about future Living History Days.
  
  
• Our quarterly member and friend event for third quarter will be a our first ever "Taste of Chestnut Square - Beer Tasting!" on Friday, 8/8/2008.  Authentic Beverages Company, Inc. and Cafe Malaga team up to help you cool off on a hot August night with cold European Beer and light Mediterranean tapas.  Enjoyfour distinct beers with the three course meal...even a dessert beer!  Learn more about matching these wonderfully unique beers to the flavors of foods.  Find out where  you can buy the beers offered for your own enjoyment. Mingle with friends old and new and enjoy the gardens at Chestnut Square.

   

  For more information and tickets to the event, click here or call 972-562-8790.  Price is $50/person for non-members, $45/person for Chestnut Square members. 
  
  

• Collin County History Comes to Life on September 12 and 13, 2008 with Barry Corbin as Collin McKinney.  Learn more about the pre-theatre dinner, show and curtain call dessert, coffee and silent auction.
  
  

• The Mckinney Farmers’ Market is taking root in its first season at Chestnut Square.  Every Saturday morning from 8:00 to 12:00 through October 25 local farmers will bring the best of their crops to Chestnut Square.  The Farmers’ Market includes produce, meat, eggs and more! Come on out and enjoy an old fashioned market day with coffee, lemonade and scones from Alyce's Tea Shoppe. Shop for old-fashioned craft items and pick up some great produce, eggs and meat.
  
  
• The Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk debuts on Friday, October 25.  Take this self-guided tour to experience the unique legends of downtown McKinney.  Ghostly sightings are not guaranteed, but lots of shivery fun is!
  
  
• It’s time to sign up for our summer camps! Our ever popular Prairie Adventure Camp will be offered six times during June and July. Sign up now to reserve your spot! New this year at Chestnut Square we’re offering Miss Julie’s School of Manners and History for Young Ladies all summer. Check out the schedule.
  
  
• Wedding season is in full swing and we're already planning for 2009!  Check out our January and February specials.  Remember to keep Chestnut Square in mind for your historic moment! For more information on our facility rentals and wedding offering, call Laurie at 972-467-9823 or contact us.
  
  
• We’ve changed our membership structure to offer even more benefits…check out our membership form and sign up today!
  
  
• Check out our latest newsletter to learn what’s happening at Chestnut Square.
  
  
• Make a difference to Chestnut Square today. Donate to our operating fund or endowment fund or sponsor a building or program.