Denton County Office of History & Culture

09/11/2026

On this 25th anniversary we pause to honor those who were lost, those who answered the call to help, the families and communities forever changed, and the many people whose stories became part of our shared history.

Among those who answered that call were the 72 members of Texas Task Force 1, an elite Urban Search and Rescue team deployed to New York on September 17, 2001, to assist with the relief efforts at the World Trade Center.

Working 12-hour shifts at Ground Zero, the team searched the rubble for survivors, navigating unstable conditions and conducting high-angle rescues on the remaining steel structures. Their work was a testament to courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to help in the aftermath of unimaginable loss.

Texas Task Force-1 Members from Denton County:

Stanley Alan Hempstead, Medical Specialist
Jeff Dixon, Rescue Specialist
Captain Brad Fuller, Rescue Specialist
Randy Corbin, Safety Officer

09/10/2026

The OHC is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team as Saturday docents at the Denton County Historical Park!

Volunteer docents help bring Denton County’s history to life by welcoming visitors and giving tours of the park’s historic sites:

- Bayless-Selby House Museum
- African American Museum
- Woods House Museum
- Taylor Cabin
- 4-holer outhouse
- (and soon) Stony General Store!

No previous museum experience is required, just a passion for history and a willingness to learn and share with others.

Ready to join the team? Visit the link below to learn more and fill out an application!
https://www.dentoncounty.gov/336/Volunteer

Please note: Denton County requires all volunteers to complete a background check.

09/02/2026

North Texas Giving Day is Thursday, September 17 but early giving is happening NOW!

Make your donation to the Denton County Historical Park TODAY: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Denton-County-Historical-Park

09/02/2026

Our Spring Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge class had their first meeting this past Saturday! Scouts spent the day learning about their local community, including Denton County’s history, government, and the people and organizations that help make our community work.

They explored what it means to be an engaged citizen and participated in a role-play activity where they took on the responsibilities of our Denton County Commissioners Court. It was a great way for them to experience firsthand how local government works, how decisions affect the community, and the importance of listening to different perspectives.

09/01/2026

Texas Talks, Fall Garden Tour & North Texas Giving Day all happening this September! - https://mailchi.mp/04994d8a56de/dcmuseum-17997841

08/28/2026

Opening Doors: The Creation and Early Years of Texas Woman’s University

By Joshua V. Chanin for Retrospect Magazine At the turn of the twentieth century, amidst a second industrial revolution in the United States, Texas politicians recognized the need for a public college specifically dedicated to educating young women....

08/27/2026

log cabin expert Terry G. Jordan photographed in September 1973 in Sanger, Texas by Roy Bray. This cabin is an example of a dog-trot cabin. Jordan published "Texas Log Buildings: A Folk Architecture" in 1978.

08/27/2026

Apply today! Applications are due Friday, August 28!

The Judge and Commissioners look forward to working with you to make your investment in our area a positive experience. We are committed to the promotion of high-quality development in all parts of the county and to an ongoing improvement in the quality of life for our citizens.