Know Your History

IN THE MOOD FOR A LITTLE HISTORY?

Look no further than one of these nearby museums – hubs of history and culture that help make Denton distinctive. These museums honor the heroes of our city, open avenues for exploration and deep dives into our rich yesteryears, and reveal the creativity of Dentonites past and present. Take a stroll through the hallowed halls of Denton history with one of these establishments.

Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum

The courthouse serves as a reminder of Denton County’s history. It is home to the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum as well as John B. Denton’s grave. Lectures, exhibits, and community-organized events are scheduled throughout the year, keeping this local gem an active site for experiencing the past.

Currently on Display: Commerce & Community

The exhibit opens on Tuesday, March 9, and runs through Saturday, October 31st. Exhibit Statement: Small businesses are the backbone of our community, creating new jobs and providing many services to our area. Denton County thrives because of the people who have invested their time and expertise here. Our local economy relies on entrepreneurs with passion and vision to open businesses. These establishments represent more than just the exchange of products and services; they create life-long memories and a lasting impact on the community.             

Denton County Historical Park

317 W Mulberry Street | 940-349-2850

The park is home to the Bayless-Selby House museum and the African American Museum in the historic Quakertown House. Don't miss the newest editions, The Woods House and The Taylor Cabin, both now open to the public. 

Bayless-Selby House

The walls of this Victorian-style house museum tell the story of life in Denton at the turn of the century. The story of Denton County prior to 1908 is told through the music room with the E. Gabler & Bro. grand piano, the elegantly set dining room table, and the majesty of the Eastlake-style adult bedroom suite.

African American Museum in the Quakertown House

Built in 1904, the simple frame house that holds the Denton County African American Museum was once part of an African American neighborhood known as Quakertown, a small community located close to the central business district of Denton. Today, the house has been relocated again, this time within proximity to its original site and now serves as a museum, chronicling the lives of Denton County African American families and the Quakertown experience.

The Woods House

The Woods House is believed to be the last remaining Quakertown house in Southeast Denton. The museum inside the Woods House tells the story of the Woods Family during the Civil Rights Era through a recreated living room, bedroom, and kitchen. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn more about the history of Civil Rights, both locally and nationally. 

The Taylor Cabin

The 150-year-old Taylor Cabin is one of just a handful of Denton County structures left from its time period. Constructed around 1868, this cabin became the home of the Taylor Family in 1905 and remained in the family for over 100 years. 

Click here for more information on the current and future projects.

TWU Library Woman’s Collection

Texas First Ladies Historic Gown Collection

Progressing from the 1800s through industrialization of the 1900s, the First Ladies of Texas showcases 11 gowns on display and includes period piece furniture. Each woman leaves her own legacy, but all share common threads that seamlessly stitch together Texas’ First Ladies’ assorted patchwork of experience.

Cookbook Collection
The collections include books, vendors’ pamphlets, recipe books dating from 1624, conduct and etiquette manuals, household management techniques, and menus from around the world. Primarily donor sustained, the Woman’s Collection strengthens the collection with purchases of foodographies and culinary bibliographies.

Mercury 13
The Mercury 13 collection is composed of individual personal collections from Mercury 13 participants. The digital collection showcases images from Geraldine Truhill, Bernice Steadman, Jerrie Cobb, Irene Leverton, and Wally Funk.

WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) collection
Between 1942 and 1944, more than 1,000 women became the first women to fly for the US Military as civilian pilots. See the archive of WASP memorabilia at TWU on your next visit to Denton.

Click Here for the full list of collections located at TWU Library Woman's Collection

Denton Firefighters Museum

The Denton Firefighters Museum takes visitors on a journey to honor brave firefighters, past and present. The Museum hosts a collection of fascinating memorabilia from the 1800s to modern day, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the evolution of firefighting over the last 150 years.
For updated protocols, hours, and exhibition information, please visit their website.