Check out the photos from History in Bloom:

A Reopening Celebration!

General Information

The three museums that comprise the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center tell the history of the Bear Creek community and of the African-American experience from the time of emancipation of the slaves through the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s.


Hours for Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center

Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center

is available for tours by appointment only.


Please contact us for information on scheduling a tour.


Phone: (972) 721-4754

Email: info@irvingarchivesandmuseum.com

The Bear Creek Masonic Lodge

The Bear Creek community in west Irving is one of the oldest African-American communities in Dallas County. During the late 1850s, a mix of free blacks, whites and their slaves began settling along the upper reaches of Bear Creek. After emancipation, former slaves began moving into the area, which developed into a rural African-American enclave during the era of racial segregation.

The three museums that comprise the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center tell the history of the Bear Creek community and of the African-American experience from the time of emancipation of the slaves through the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and '60s.


The Masonic Lodge is available for tours by appointment only.


Please contact us for information on scheduling a tour.


Phone: (972) 721-4754

Email: info@irvingarchivesandmuseum.com

The Green House

The Green House was once the home of Sam Green who for years was a leading resident of the community.


The Green House is available for tours by appointment only.


Please contact us for information on scheduling a tour.


Phone: (972) 721-4754

Email: info@irvingarchivesandmuseum.com

The J.O. Davis House

The J.O. Davis House is a walk-through museum that tells the story of the Bear Creek community.


The J.O. Davis House is available for tours by appointment only.


Please contact us for information on scheduling a tour.


Phone: (972) 721-4754

Email: info@irvingarchivesandmuseum.com

Native Plant Garden

The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center is home to a Native Plant Garden. Learn more about Native Plant Gardens here!