Built in 1892, The Old Red Courthouse Dallas, often nicknamed “Old Red”, has always had a mission to help educate visitors about all things relating to Dallas County history.
It is not only associated with the earliest days of Dallas history, it also contains Texas artifacts you won’t find in other museums. Where else can you find such varied items as J.R. Ewing’s hat as well as a Civil War pistol and a mammoth tusk – all in one place?
If you are visiting Dallas, you won’t locate a better source for for information about Dallas history. The Museum has won major accolades as well. It was named 2008 Facility of the Year by the International Special Events Society as well as the Bride’s Choice Awards of 2010.
Many marriages have been performed here and when you check out the building, created with historical accuracy, you’ll understand why many couples choose this site for a wedding with a traditional atmosphere.
One of the thrills of stopping by Old Red is that you never know what you’ll find. Special events have included local artists’ interpretation of the Old Red building, illustrating the history of this architectural beauty.
When it comes to popular attractions, visitors frequently mention the special exhibit on the first floor which focuses on Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, major Civil War generals.
Sometimes the word “museum” is associated with a building full of dry and stuffy exhibits. This is an extremely family friendly museum, with special sections designed for young children through teens.
Instead of a “Don’t Touch” policy, there are many hands-on activities as well as presentations about the history of children in Dallas County. Young ones find it fascinating to discover how children in earlier times went to school, played, and even worked alongside their parents in Dallas.
Special discovery carts just for children are scattered around the museum. They help keep young ones entertained, allowing their parents to thoroughly explore each gallery.
The second floor is filled with rotating as well as regular exhibits, 41 touch screen computers, an educational learning center and four mini theaters. All of these allow you to create your own interactive experience and pause as you like to focus on aspects of Dallas history, which are particularly intriguing.
There are many galleries in the Old Red Courthouse Dallas but you’ll want to make a point of dropping by the World Crossroads Gallery. That’s where you’ll see J.R. Ewing’s famous Stetson hat from the television show, “Dallas.” You’ll also find the handcuffs actually worn by Lee Harvey Oswald, Tom Landry’s fedora and posters and films from Harlemwood, a nationally recognized African-American film center.
Another intriguing area is the Ruth Ray and H.L Hunt Big “D” Gallery. It centers on Dallas history from 1918-1945. This was an era when Dallas turned into a large metropolitan area and became known nationwide, earning the Big “D” nickname.
In the big “D” gallery, you’ll see the actual gun of the notorious criminal Clyde Barrow. A flapper wedding dress bought at Neiman Marcus in 1925 brings admiring comments from women and everyone enjoys seeing the Texas Centennial Exposition souvenirs.
The Exposition took place in 1936 and was hugely successful, gripping the attention of the nation. In the big “D” gallery, you can even see the very first traffic light ever used in Dallas County!
Insiders and regular visitors strongly recommend the special tours of Old Red. Tours are free with Museum admission and showcases areas, which are not open to the general public, including an authentic restored courtroom.
While you can spend hours in The Old Red Museum, you might want to leave time to check out the JFK Memorial and Dealey Plaza, just steps away. Across the street from the Museum is a replica of John Neely Bryan’s cabin (Neely was a major founder of Dallas). A block away is the Sixth Floor Museum.
Although general admission is usually $8, you can get in for only $5 (until noon) on Sundays. Otherwise, you’ll pay a few dollars more. Seniors over 65 as well as students always receive a discount and pay only $6 (students must show ID).Children ages 3-16 are admitted for $5 and children under age 3 get in free.
The Old Red Courthouse Dallas is open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
What would a visit to Dallas be without learning fascinating details about the major historical events, past and present, which have evolved into creating today’s Dallas?
So take some time to step back in history and imagine how Dallas citizens lived through the Civil War, lived through the assassination of John F. Kennedy and fought with criminals like Clyde Barrow.
The Museum is located at 100 S. Houston Street and can be reached at (214) 745-1100.