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!

Celebrate the 35th year of our Holiday Tour of Homes! 

Saturday, December 6th, 10:00 - 5:00

Sunday, December 7, 12:00 - 5:00  

We've got a great selection of historic homes on the tour this year and McKinney's "new" historic downtown square is better than ever!   Visit McKinney for the weekend to enjoy the Holiday Tour of Homes, downtown Christmas shopping for that unique gift, a Christmas play at the McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC) and great food and fun at breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The new Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites is the official hotel for the 2008 tour....your Holiday Home Tour ticket booklet will get you a special home tour rate for the weekend!

Click Here to purchase tickets

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 1850-1930. 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 November 9 with a Quilt Show!  Join us from 12:00 – 4:00 to enjoy Dutch oven cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, crafters and re-enactors and a stagecoach ride. The Quilt Show will feature antique quilts from the Chestnut Square collection and old and new quilts from local quilters. Click here for more information about Living History Days.
  
  

• Collin County History Comes to Life was a great success on Saturday, September 13, 2008 with Richard Privitt as Collin McKinney in the original play, "The Lost Letter" by award winning play write Andy Wilkinson.  The dinner at Rick's Chop House sold out and over 250 people attended the play.  $15,000 was raised to support The North Texas History Center and Chestnut Square.  Many thanks to our sponsors:  McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC), Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd and Joplin, Rick's Chophouse, Wal-Mart Stores of McKinney, McKinney Office Supply, Independent Bank, Smith Barney and Valliance Bank.
  
  

• The Mckinney Farmers’ Market ended the 2008 season on October 25th with a pumpkin festival and concert form the Texas Strings.  Look for the Famers' Market in April 2009!
  
  
• The Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk debuted on Saturday, October 25 to a crowd of over 1,500!  Story tellers shared the legends of McKinney at The Prison, the old courthouse (MPAC), the Londoner, the North Texas History Center and Chestnut Square.  $8,000 was raised for The North Texas History Center and Chestnut Square.  Guided Ghost Walks are offered year round for groups of 12-15.  Click here to learn more. 
  
  
• Weddings are  bettter than ever at Chestnut Square!  Our new Bevel Reception House and remodeled Chapel have drawn more than 150 weddings in 2008.  Remember to keep Chestnut Square in mind for your historic moment! For more information on our facility rentals and wedding offerings, 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.