Collin County Historical Commission

06/08/2026

📣 Collin County Historical Commission 2027 Grant Applications Now Available

The Collin County Historical Commission will once again offer grant funding to support local history, preservation, education, and heritage projects throughout Collin County.

📌 Grant application materials and guidelines are now available on the CCHC website: https://www.collincountytx.gov/government/boards/historical-commission/grants-and-abatements
Or to request a copy, email [email protected].

📌 Mandatory Grant Orientation Meeting
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Collin County History Museum
300 E. Virginia Street, McKinney
Attendance is required for all organizations seeking funding and satisfies the grant guideline requirement for attending a Coalition meeting.

📌 Application Period
Applications will be accepted starting August 24 through September 18, 2026

📌 Application Deadline
Friday, September 18, 2026
4:00 p.m.
No exceptions.

Applicants who submit by September 8 at 4:00 p.m. may request an optional completeness review to identify any missing required documents before the final deadline.

We encourage eligible organizations to review the guidelines and the application in preparation of the July 25th Mandatory Grant Orientation Meeting.

Collin County will be updating its Hazard Mitigation Action Plan in 2027, a critical effort aimed at reducing the impact of natural disasters before they occur. As part of this process, we're seeking input from both employees and the public - and your feedback matters.

06/04/2026

04/17/2026

Thursday, May 7, 2026: Local History Student Showcase
Preserving the Past: A Journey Through North Texas.

You are invited to see students' local history multimedia research projects! Discover the people, places, and stories that shaped our communities.

Guest Speaker: Punk Carter
Thursday, May 7th
5:00pm
Collin College
Celina Campus
Room 110

04/16/2026

Preservation Celebration RSVP Requested by This Saturday

We hope you will join us for the Nineteenth Annual Preservation Celebration on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Farmersville, Texas.

This special morning features the presentation of the Collin County Historical Commission - Preservation Awards, highlights the rich heritage of Farmersville, and includes a brunch inspired by recipes from Farmersville’s Centennial Cookbook.

We kindly ask that you RSVP by this Saturday using the link below or by emailing.

Click link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/H6sEAytXxBrTqBZL9
Or Email: [email protected]

We look forward to sharing this meaningful celebration of history and preservation with you!

Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Highlighting Farmersville, Texas Program and Brunch at High School: 9:30 AM - 12 PM (Doors Open at 9am-No Admission Fee) Event Address: Farmersville High School (Dining Hall)- 426 State Highway 78 N, Farmersville, TX 75442 After the event, explore Farmersville. Heritage Ex...

04/16/2026

📅 Mark your calendars for our upcoming quarterly Coalition Meeting 🗓️
📍 Thursday, April 23rd at 5:00pm at The Collin County History Museum

🎤 With special guest Ana Gonzalez 🌟
🏆 Bringing 20+ years of experience in television, nonprofit storytelling, and philanthropy

🤝 We’re also bringing back roundtable discussions 💭—a chance to share ideas and connect

🎉 We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌

04/13/2026

Paula Ross Honored with 2025 THC John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized Paula Ross, former chair of the Collin County Historical Commission (CCHC), as the 2025 recipient of the John Ben Shepperd County Historical Commission Leadership Award.

This award honors a County Historical Commission chair who demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing a comprehensive and effective preservation program. It is one of ten annual THC Preservation Awards recognizing outstanding contributions to historic preservation across Texas.

Paula Ross served as chair of the Collin CHC from 2012 to 2023. Under her leadership, the Commission received 11 Distinguished Service Awards for its preservation efforts. Notable initiatives during her tenure included the Collin County Historical Asset Survey, the Collin County Historic Property Tax Abatement Program, and the CCHC grant program.

Ross also chaired the CCHC Educational Committee, which received the THC Award of Excellence in Preserving History for its “Carry Along Collin” program. In addition to her county service, she serves as president of the Allen Heritage Guild, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of the City of Allen.

The Collin County Historical Commission congratulates Paula Ross on this well-deserved recognition of her leadership and lasting contributions to historic preservation in Texas.

04/07/2026

We are pleased to announce the Nineteenth Annual Preservation Celebration, to be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Farmersville, Texas.
Join us for the celebration as Collin County Historical Commission recognizes the remarkable heritage of Farmersville, Texas and honors those who serve in historical preservation within Collin County.
RSVP - Free admission. Brunch will be served
We hope you will be able to join us!

Click link to RSVP: https://forms.gle/H6sEAytXxBrTqBZL9

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Program and Brunch at High School:
9:30 AM - 12 PM (Doors Open at 9am-No Admission Fee)
Event Address:
Farmersville High School (Dining Hall)- 426 State Highway 78 N, Farmersville, TX 75442

After the event, explore Farmersville!

Heritage Exhibits and Historic Downtown
Farmersville Heritage Museum and Bain-Honaker House - 12:30 PM - 3 PM
Addresses:
Farmersville Heritage Museum - 107 Farmersville Pkwy, Farmersville, TX 75442
Bain-Honaker House - 108 College St, Farmersville, TX 75442

A special thank you to Farmersville Heritage Museum and Farmersville Historical Society for their support in Preservation Celebration 2026

03/26/2026

CCHC Preservation Celebration in Farmersville, Texas
RSVP: https://forms.gle/H6sEAytXxBrTqBZL9

Join us on April 25, 2026, in Farmersville, Texas for the Nineteenth Annual Preservation Celebration for an engaging day of history, hometown pride, and discovery.

Hosted by the Collin County Historical Commission, the morning event honors preservation achievements in Collin County and highlights remarkable local Farmersville stories. Following the celebration, explore the charming, historic town of Farmersville and visit the Bain-Honaker House and the Farmersville Heritage Museum for special exhibitions.

RSVP requested for the morning event.

Event Address:
Farmersville High School - 426 State Highway 78 N, Farmersville, TX 75442

Program and Brunch at Farmersville High School:
9:30 AM - 12 PM (Doors Open at 9am-No Admission Fee)

Afternoon Heritage Exhibits: 12:30 PM - 3 PM

Bain-Honaker House - 108 College St.
Farmersville Heritage Museum - 107 Farmersville Pkwy.

Special thanks to the Farmersville Heritage Museum and Farmersville Historic Society for their support in Preservation Celebration 2026.

01/15/2026

📣 POSTPONED: Collin County Historical Commission Coalition Meeting
⚠️ Due to the threat of inclement weather, this event has been postponed.

📅 New Date: February 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM

🎯 Grant Writing & Sustainable Funding

Join us on February 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM for a grant-focused presentation featuring Celeste Haiduk Cox, CEO of Housify.

Celeste Haiduk Cox is a seasoned nonprofit leader, grant writer, and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in affordable housing and community development. As CEO of Housify—and former President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Collin County—she has helped organizations secure millions in funding, build sustainable programs, and strengthen governance. Celeste is passionate about empowering nonprofits with practical strategies to fund their missions and create lasting impact.

📝 You’ll learn about:
• Grant-writing best practices
• Sustainable funding strategies
• Practical tools for nonprofit success

📍 Location:
Collin County History Museum
300 E. Virginia Street
McKinney, TX 75069

🚗 Free parking garage across the street
♿ Ramp access in the back with reserved parking for mobility-challenged attendees

All Collin County historical organizations, coalition members, and guests are welcome!