"A History of Walls: The Borders We Build" Temporary Exhibition Comes to IAM
For as long as there have been nations, those nations have built walls. Today, we’re asking why. “A History of Walls: The Borders We Build,” a traveling exhibition from Overland Traveling Exhibits, explores the history and future of several of the world’s major geopolitical barriers. The exhibition will be on display at Irving Archives and Museum from June 12, 2021 to August 14, 2021. The exhibit will tour the United States through 2022. Visit overlandexhibits.com/walls for more details.
“A History of Walls” features a closer look at four historically-significant walls: the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, the Israel/West Bank Barrier, and the US/Mexico Border Wall. Each wall is examined as a historical, political, and cultural phenomenon. The exhibit puts a special focus on the lives of people affected by these imposing and oftentimes dangerous structures. Visitors will find themselves challenged to consider the role of walls in their lives, whether those walls are far away or right next door.
“A History of Walls” includes a striking artistic interpretation of a typical section of the US/Mexico wall, featuring the silhouette of the bollard-style construction favored by US Customs and Border Protection. Coming face-to-face with the wall gives a sense of just how imposing these structures can be, and how many resources and how much effort it takes to build a wall.
Driven in part by a renewed focus on wall-building and the rise of nationalism in the United States and abroad, “A History of Walls” features overviews of these imposing infrastructural elements, exploring each wall through words, images, video, and written interactives, as well as the central US/Mexico border wall recreation.
“A History of Walls” was developed, designed, built, and toured by Overland Traveling Exhibits. Founding institutions include the Chandler Museum in Chandler, Arizona and the Coronado Quivira Museum in Lyons, Kansas.
Second Saturdays at IAM! FREE Admission and FREE Activities for Everyone!
The Irving Archives and Museum and Badge of Pride have been nationally recognized by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) with the 2026 Museum Impact Award for the groundbreaking exhibition Badge of Pride: From Silence…to Celebration! Presented annually by AAM, the only organization representing the entire museum field, the Museum Impact Award honors programs and institutions making meaningful contributions through community engagement, cultural leadership, and transformative storytelling. The award is considered one of the museum industry’s highest distinctions. Badge of Pride: From Silence…to Celebration! became the largest artifact-based LGBTQ+ history exhibition ever presented in Texas. Developed collaboratively by the Irving Archives and Museum and Badge of Pride alongside community members and national partners, the exhibition featured more than 600 artifacts, bilingual interpretation, 12 free public programs, and a digital guide that expanded access beyond the museum walls. “This award reflects the incredible collaboration, trust, and courage that made this exhibition possible,” said Adrian J. Cardwell, Executive Director of Badge Of Pride. “We are deeply grateful to our staff, partners, supporters, and community members whose voices and contributions shaped this project from the beginning.” The Irving Archives and Museum continues to serve as a dynamic cultural destination for North Texas residents and visitors alike. The museum features its permanent exhibition, The Irving Story, which explores the city’s rich and evolving history. It is also home to the only Smithsonian Spark!Lab in Texas, an interactive invention space for young visitors. Currently on display, The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography, features iconic moments in sports history, on view through August 9, 2026. Founded in 2022, Badge of Pride is a Dallas-based, queer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding through history, art, and cultural storytelling. What began as a personal archival project has grown into a major cultural initiative focused on expanding historical literacy, strengthening belonging, and preserving LGBTQ+ histories across Texas and beyond. Community members are invited to experience Badge of Pride’s latest collaborative program, A Manifesto For Us All , presented in partnership with The Writer's Garret. Taking place Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center, the performance revisits the landmark 1971 Gay Liberation Front Manifesto alongside contemporary queer writings that explore belonging, liberation, and justice. The event highlights how the calls for equality and transformation made more than fifty years ago continue to resonate today. For more information about the Irving Archives and Museum, upcoming exhibitions, and programs, visit Irving Archives and Museum . To learn more about Badge of Pride and upcoming events, visit Badge of Pride . For media inquiries, contact April Baker, Assistant Director of Museums, Irving Archives and Museum, at abaker@irvingtx.gov .
Over a 29-year career, Tom Landry led the Dallas Cowboys through 20 consecutive winning seasons, many of them during the team’s years at Texas Stadium in Irving. Experience Tom Landry: A Life in Football through August 9, 2026 at the Irving Archives and Museum!
The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography Opens at IAM
Innovation, Invention, and Memory: How the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Preserves How Spaceflight Is Remembered
Second Saturdays at IAM! FREE Admission and FREE Activities for Everyone!
History in Bloom is a family-friendly event at Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1 - 4 p.m. Located at 3925 Jackson St. Join the Irving Department of Arts and Culture for free tours, lawn games, and historical education about one of Dallas County's oldest African American communities. Plus, the Irving-based coffee makers at Hudson Grounds Coffee Co. will be providing FREE coffee and matcha for all who attend! The heritage center includes the Bear Creek Masonic Lodge, the Green House, and the J.O. Davis House. All three sties offer a way to connect with the ongoing story of Bear Creek and the people who helped shape Irving’s cultural landscape.
Join Us at IAM for Docent-Led Tours on the First Sunday of Every Month at 2 pm! FREE ADMISSION & FREE TOUR!
