|
There are several organizations dedicated to preserving our heritage and telling Grapevine's story of perseverance, ingenuity and foresight. Please take time to visit their Web sites and learn all you can about the city's colorful history and the groups that make a difference in the quality of life here in Grapevine.
Grapevine Historical Society
The Grapevine Historical Society is one of the oldest organizations in our area dedicated to preserving the city's historical and cultural heritage. Their Web site includes a detailed time-line of the history of the city, a touring map of the historical buildings in town and many links for genealogy buffs.
In addition, the organization sponsors the Historical Society Museum, housed in the Cotton Belt Depot, along side of the Visitor's Information Center. Members also originated the Historical Marker (Landmark) program and have dedicated and provided markers for various landmark buildings throughout Grapevine.
Collaborating, the members have written two must-have historical accounts of city life, complete with wonderful old photographs and detailed archives. "The Grapevine Area History Book" and the latest anthology, "Grapevine's Most Unforgettable Characters," reflect the city's very colorful history. Please visit the Grapevine Library to purchase a copy of the books; or you may order them easily from the Historical Society's Web site.
The City of Grapevine Board - Historic Preservation Commission
In 1991, the City of Grapevine adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance, an effort to protect the city's rich, unique architectural heritage, which also created the Historic Preservation Commission and a process for designating historic districts and landmarks. The city has two local Historic Districts, and numerous residential Historic Landmarks.
In addition, the City Council created the Grapevine Township Revitalization Program, Inc. (GTRP), a non-profit organization, to assist in preserving the architectural heritage of the original Township of the City of Grapevine. Please click through the Development Services site to learn more about historic preservation efforts in the community.
Grapevine Heritage Foundation
Committed to the preservation and faithful stewardship of Grapevine’s historic resources, the Grapevine Heritage Foundation also has its roots in the advocacy, education and community outreach. Grapevine's two annual festivals, Main Street Days and GrapeFest, support the historic preservation efforts of the Foundation.
With more than 500 members, both corporate and individual citizens, the Foundation has been able to preserve the 1940's Art Deco Palace Arts Center downtown on Main Street, which includes the Lancaster Theatre. Also, the Foundation oversees the Heritage Center, a public facility at the intersection of the Cotton Belt Railroad District and South Main Street in downtown Grapevine. The Visitor's Center anchors this historical site, which includes the Grapevine Vintage Railroad operations, a blacksmith shop, art galleries, and an historical museum.
In addition to the downtown venues, the Foundation has recently initiated plans to restore the Thomas Jefferson Nash Farmstead to reflect the life and times of early Grapevine farmers and setters. Nash Farms will offer educational programs, interpretive exhibits and historical perspectives on a disappearing part of Grapevine's agricultural heritage. Please visit their Web site to learn more about their educational programs, the Spring and Fall on-site festivals, and rental of the family entertainment facility. |
