Looking for some fun, family-friendly activities here in Dallas? Look no further than Fair Park!
Known throughout Texas as a National Historic Landmark, Fair Park contains a rich history and offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. With 277 acres featuring a series of well-preserved Art Deco structures, visitors can find a wide variety of museums and cultural centers located throughout the park. Take a trip to Fair Park & see how much it has to offer!
First stop: The African American Museum of Dallas
Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., CEO of the African American Museum of Dallas, speaks to State Fair team members about the Fair Park institution.
Here at the State Fair of Texas, we decided to do a little exploring of our own. What better way to learn more about our Fair Park home than to visit each of its unique locales? First stop – the African American Museum of Dallas. Established in 1974 as part of a special collaboration with Bishop College, the museum has since grown exponentially and is now a 38,000 square foot structure housing an impressive selection of both permanent and traveling exhibitions. Home to one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the United States, the museum also showcases African American fine art, traditional African art and historical artifacts dating back to the 1800s.
As the museum’s longest running exhibit, “Facing the Rising Sun: Freedman’s Cemetery” is a representation of the Dallas community once known as “Freedman’s Town” formed by African Americans in the post-Civil War era. Elements of Freedman’s Town, now known as Uptown Dallas, are on display in the museum’s notable collection of photographs, documents, archives and interactive video presentations. Freedman’s Cemetery is now an official landmark honoring the freed slaves buried there and is located at Central Expressway and Lemmon Avenue in Uptown.
The African American Museum of Dallas’ Folk Art Collection, which began with a gift from Mr. & Mrs. Billy R. Allen, is housed in the Sam and Ruth Bussey Gallery on the Museum’s first floor.
The African American Museum of Dallas is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Admission to the museum is free. A docent-guided tour is available for $3 for adults and $1 for students. For more information, visit their website.
You can visit the African American Museum of Dallas on your next trip to historic Fair Park.
See you on the grounds!
A special thanks to all of the museum staff, including Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr. who serves as CEO of the African American Museum and doubled as our tour guide during our team’s recent visit!