About Us
List of Projects and Accomplishments
We have completed the following projects at various historical locations in Plano.
On May 12, "Cruisin' in the Park" offered kids and families springtime fun in Plano's Historic District, and featured a soap box derby, classic car show, pine box derby, Interurban Railway Museum tours, interactive art “crawl,” great food, live music & family fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Cruisin' in the Park" 2012
Make tracks to the Interurban Railway Museum - Our field trips bring history to life! Located in Plano’s historic Haggard Park at a DART rail stop. Field trips are offered Monday-Thursday at 10:00 a.m. for all age groups. Reservations are required for field trips of any size. Interurban Museum Field Trips
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation is looking for people who actually rode the Interurban Railway cars between 1908-1948 or lived in Plano before 1960.Tell Us Your Story
The Plano Conservancy lends a helping hand to Plano ISD seniors wishing to further their education in historical preservation. Our annually awarded scholarships provide students with financial assistance towards their college education. Any graduating Plano ISD senior seeking a degree in historic preservation, urban planning, architecture, history, archaeology, anthropology or certain areas of engineering is encouraged to apply. Scholarship applications can be found at counseling offices in all three senior high schools or the form can be downloaded through this website.2012 Scholarship Program
The Conservancy received funds from the City of Plano to improve and update the History of Plano for the meeting room of The Interurban Railway Museum.Plano History Exhibit
The Plano Conservancy received a grant for developing graphics for the Electrical Science Demonstration room of the Interurban Railway Museum.Mad Scientist Room
Who We Are
The formation of The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. resulted from efforts of former Heritage Commission members and like-minded citizens who recognized the need for a non profit to be established that would serve as a vehicle for advocacy for preservation concerns in the community. Under the guidelines of a not for profit corporation, members would be empowered to seek funds for worth projects, to promote awareness of preservation education and to protect and preserve the heritage resources for future generations.
This vision was embraced by City Council. Through their efforts a year long contractual agreement was structured allowing for The Conservancy to operate the Interurban Museum in exchange for office space. In the course of the first year’s business The Conservancy established sufficient credibility to become eligible for funding under the hotel/motel tax provisions. During the initial startup, many civic partnerships were established including Plano Independent School District, City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and various corporate and local businesses.
While daily seeking new ideas and avenues to pursue that enhance the Interurban Museum, The Conservancy has been very successful in offering education programs to all ages, sponsoring an annual city wide archeology dig; National Preservation Week activities; identifying the significance of the Thornton House in the Douglass Community and supporting efforts to preserve this African American symbol; and undertaking an ongoing oral history program, as well as providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors interested in the preservation field.
Our Logo
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc. chose a design feature of the former Civic Auditorium to reflect the mission of our organization which is to protect the history of our city. The Civic Auditorium was located on the present site now occupied by the Courtyard Theater. Visitors to the early structure must have experienced a sense of awe to this architectural marvel considering the fact that Plano was just a small farming community at the beginning of the 20th century. Early citizens attended Lyceums and Chatauquas held at this facility. These pioneer families were dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, to the betterment of life and to maintain close connections with their fellow community members.
Mission Statement
The Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation, Inc., a Texas corporation 501 (c)(3) non-profit, is an organization dedicated to promote civic pride in the past, to increase preservation awareness through education and public outreach, and to provide financial assistance to protect and preserve our heritage resources for this and future generations.
The Plano Conservancy
