Friends of the Irving Museums

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

We did it again! 🏆 Irving Archives and Museum and Badge Of Pride has received a 2026 Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History for Badge of Pride: From Silence…to Celebration! 🌈

Recognized as the nation’s most prestigious competition for achievement in state and local history, this award honors projects that set the standard for excellence in preserving and sharing our collective stories.

To the incredible staff, partners, volunteers, community members, and supporters who helped bring this exhibition to life...this one's for you! 🥹🩷

06/11/2026

Townsell Grocery, 1997

Jackie and Jimmie Townsell opened Townsell Grocery in 1959 in the Bear Creek community. The store became a hub of the community. During the 1980s, the store, where Jackie served simple, homemade lunches, became a "hot spot" for those looking for a special lunchtime experience. The store closed in 1997.

Does anyone have memories of Townsell Grocery?

06/04/2026

Storybook Land, Irving, Texas, 1956

Before there was Six Flags, there was "Storybook Land." Opened in April 1956, this 10-acre land of enchantment was located along the south side of Highway 183 near today's Valley View Lane. Visitors could see the Little Red Hen, Billy Goat Gruff, and a Baa Baa Black Sheep. The next year "Cowboy Town" opened next door.

Does anyone know what other theme park once opened in Irving in 1982?

05/28/2026

Hay Harvest, c. 1900

John Lucas's hay farm. You can still see horses in Irving today, not too far from where this picture was taken. Does anyone know where Lucas's farm was?

05/21/2026

Can anyone identify the one time Irving landmark under construction in this photo? Bonus points if you know the year it was built!

05/14/2026

Irving's Downtown Skyscraper

Before Las Colinas' skyline, downtown Irving had a tower of its own.

Irving Bank & Trust Co. opened a 10-story bank and office tower on the northeast corner of Main St. and Irving Blvd. in downtown Irving in 1967. The bank was taken over by Texas Commerce Bank in 1975. Chase Bank purchased the property and demolished the building in 2000. This view looks south down Main Street from Rock Island Road.

Who remembers banking here?

05/13/2026

Join us this Saturday, 1-4 pm, for History in Bloom at the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center! Burgers, coffee, and the story of Bear Creek's historic Black community.

Here's a video from an earlier event this year. Good news, no rain in the forecast this time.

05/10/2026

This is a wall hanging at the Irving Archives and Museum for - what’s your wish for America?