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Have you ever wondered what life was like in early Dallas?


Your students become Dallas History Detectives when they step back in time and explore the many hands-on areas and historic homes. Each student is given a grade specific History Hunt, based on a scavenger hunt theme, filled with questions about the Village. Click here for an example of a History Hunt. All programs are TEKS-aligned.

During your visit, you may meet characters dressed in period costumes such as Mrs. de Léon in the Depot’s Section House, Mrs. Freeman at the Shotgun House, the wagon master working with Nip and Tuck (our Mammoth Jack donkeys), Mrs. Kennedy at the Farmstead or even one of the Schmidt brothers on Main Street. The day you come will determine which buildings and characters are featured at the Village. You'll find our recommendations on when to book below.

Your students become actively engaged in history by hearing, seeing, touching and even smelling nineteenth century life. Grade-specific History Hunts with answers found throughout the Village will stimulate conversations.

Teacher Resource Packets


TEKS-aligned resource packets include pre- and post-visit activities, games and recommended reading lists.

Nip and Tuck’s Saddlebags (Pre-K - Kindergarten)



Nip and Tuck are working hard filling their saddlebags with lots of stories, games and crafts for the littlest visitors. Choose from two topics: “Log Cabins” or “Toys and Games.” Teacher's Resource Packet for Pre- and Post-Visit Activities for Pre-K and Kindergarten available online October 1.

Field Trip Packet for Teachers

Cultures Past and Present (1st Grade)



Learn about the many cultures that are a part of Texas history. History Hunts will focus on the Section House, Shotgun House, Blum House and Miller Log Cabin.

• Learn about the many cultures that are a part of Texas history
• Discover how your life is different from those that lived in the past
• Explore the changes in technology of pioneer and Victorian times

Texas Frontier Life (2nd Grade)



Uncover what it was like living on the Texas frontier. History Hunts will focus on the 1860s Farmstead, Miller Log House, Millermore, Pilot Grove Church and Carriage House (Livery). We recommend booking your visit on Wednesdays or Fridays.

• Learn how the land of North Texas shaped people’s lives
• Discover what life was like on the Texas frontier
• Explore animals and their role in rural life

Nineteenth Century Life (3rd Grade)



Explore life in a small town at the end of the last century. History Hunts will focus on the Sullivan House, Worth Hotel, Renner School, Blum House and Main Street. We recommend booking your visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

• Learn about the impact people have on their community
• Discover the effect of the railroad on the city of Dallas
• Explore life in a small town at the end of the last century

Gone to Texas (4th Grade)



Discover why people settled in Texas and how they built their communities. History Hunts will focus on the Section House, Doctor's Office, Millermore and Main Street. We recommend booking your visit on Wednesdays or Fridays.

• Learn how and why people settled in Texas
• Discover how communities develop over time
• Explore the changes in technology of pioneer and Victorian times

Becoming a City (5th Grade - 6th Grade)



Delve into the key developments that caused cities like Dallas to grow and change. We recommend booking your visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays. History hunts will focus on the General Store, Shotgun House, Sullivan House, School, and Doctor's Office. We recommend booking your visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

• Learn about the transition from agrarian to urban life in Dallas
• Discover the impact the railroad had on commerce and social change
• Explore how and why people immigrated to Dallas

Railroad Ties (7th Grade - 8th Grade)



How did the railroad change life in Texas? History Hunts will focus on the Farmstead, Depot, Section House, General Store, and Hotel. We recommend booking your visit on Wednesdays or Fridays.

• Compare what life was like before and after the railroad.
• Learn how Dallas grew and changed after the railroad.
• Explore how the economy changed after the railroad.