Membership supports History

The Dallas Historical Society was organized on March 31, 1922, by 101 prominent citizens. In 1938, the Society assumed the management of the magnificent Hall of State at the request of the City of Dallas. The Hall of State is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in the country and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of Fair Park. The Historical Society is the oldest historical organization in Dallas County that is committed to preserving the area’s entire history.

Membership supports the Collections

The Historical Society preserves rare Dallas and Texas-related three-dimensional objects, including James Fannin’s watch and Santa Anna’s Texas Campaign medal. The research  library holds more than ten thousand bound volumes and three million historic documents, including Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the battle of San Jacinto.

Membership supports Education

Each year, the Dallas Historical Society serves approximately 20,000 students, providing more than half with free or discounted educational programs.  Outreach programs give students who are unable to visit the Hall of State the opportunity to experience educational programs on historical topics  in their own classrooms.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

FELLOWS OF THE DHS

The Fellows of the Dallas Historical Society was organized on October 1, 1937. A roster located in the Society’s archives in the early 1980s revealed the names of seventy-four prominent Dallasites, many of whose descendants remain supporters of the Dallas Historical Society.

In 1982, the Fellows were recognized as a special membership category of the Dallas Historical Society. Louise Caldwell chaired the committee and agreeing to co-chair was Stanley Marcus, who was that last remaining member of the 1937 Fellows. He agreed providing they “use the funds we raise to underwrite the publication of works on Dallas History.” He said DHS also had to promise his name would be listed as Stanley Marcus, NCM. When asked which honor those initials meant, he said “no committee meetings.” The funds raised from Fellows helped with funding the creation of the semi-annual publication Legacies- A History Journal for Dallas & North Central Texas, and in partnership with Dallas Foundation to publish When Dallas Became a City: Letters of John Milton McCoy, 1870-1881. Lectures, exhibits and field trips have also been sponsored by the Fellows; and dues currently help make a significant impact on the operation of Dallas Historical Society. Fellows are given special access to “see the inside” of landmark homes and venues as well as special previews of exhibits and invitations to events created just for Fellows.

Fellows – $1,500

• All benefits of Scholar level, plus
• Invitation for two to exclusive annual Fellows events
• One complimentary rental of the Al and Margaret Hill Lecture Hall (subject to availability)

Patron Fellows – $2,500

• All benefits of Fellows level, plus
• Exclusive lunch with the DHS Director of Collections and Executive Director with a private tour of the collection
• Two complimentary Historian level gift memberships
• Private tour of select exhibits
• State Fair of Texas admission for four and parking

Statesman – $5,000

• All benefits of Patron Fellows level, plus
• One table for eight at the annual Awards for Excellence in Community Service luncheon held each autumn

Century Society

The Century Society of the Dallas Historical Society is comprised of engaged and forward thinking community members who take pride in the city of Dallas and are committed to the 100th anniversary of the Dallas Historical Society in 2022. Whether generational, longtime Dallas resident or new to the city, each member has one goal in mind: to continue to support the important history of the people, places, and events for the next generations. The objective of the Century Society is to take the organization into the next hundred years in a meaningful and modern way.

*The Founding Members will play an integral role in the formation of the Century Society in order to ensure the success of the 100^th anniversary celebration.  Founding Members will be expected to pledge to a five year commitment. For more information please contact membership@dallashistory.org.

Century Society Founders:

We hope you will join us in our efforts to preserve and present for others the memories of earlier times by becoming member of the Historical Society.  Your support will ensure that not only the stories of the past, but also the news being made today, will be made available in the future for our children and grandchildren to study and enjoy. Most importantly, we would like to have you as a member of the Historical Society, whatever your level of support. Please join us. For more information on becoming a member of the Dallas Historical Society or to pay by credit card please contact Membership@dallashistory.org.