Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street is a grassroots historic preservation nonprofit dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the un- and under-told stories of Garland's past.
Among the organization's major projects are efforts to recognize and preserve the history of communities and families whose contributions have not always received widespread attention. The organization has successfully pursued historical markers recognizing The Flats, Garland's original Black settlement, and Manuel and Maria Valle, Garland's original Latinos of record.
In 2026 the organization expanded its focus to explore the Native American experience, focusing on Indigenous presence in North Texas and beyond throughout the centuries before Garland became the city as we know it today. In 2027 Friend seeks to further this awareness by staging, "Before the Cities, Before the Highways: Garland Native American Awareness Day 2027".
Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street has also brought local history to life through original historical musical dramas. These productions include The Flats: Cradle of a Community, which explored the history and legacy of Garland's early Black community; The Cactus Chronicles, which shared another chapter of Garland's cultural heritage; and Becoming Garland Avenue, a production focusing on the early days and development of Garland.
Through historical research, preservation advocacy, historical markers, theatrical productions, and public education, Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street works to ensure that Garland's history reflects the experiences and contributions of all its people. The organization is committed to preserving the past, celebrating the community's heritage, and bringing forward stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Through North Texas Giving Day we seek gifts totaling $2,500 to help offset the cost of producing Native American Awareness Day 2027, which is free and open to the public.
As a young organization with a packed agenda, funding is our organization's primary need. We have no paid staff. Office and other expenses are paid by directors so that every penny raised goes for programs and special projects. We would sincerely appreciate any size donation. We would welcome an individual or business to underwrite this project. The Friends of Magic 11th Street organization will give proper recognition for all gifts.
Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street exists primarily as a Nonprofit Corporation to preserve, promote, revitalize, and increase awareness of the residential and business potential and opportunities on 11th Street (both North and South) in the downtown area of the City of Garland, Texas. (South 11th Street is the original Garland Avenue, platted and named in 1913 and expanded in later years.) A secondary purpose of Friends is to inspire, motivate, assist, and lead by example for the entire Downtown Garland District (Garland Road on the west; West Avenue D on the south; First Street on the east; and Walnut on the north) and other geographical sites within the City of Garland. A special emphasis of the Friends organization is to help underrepresented groups in our city to be recognized with historic markers, programs, and in the performing arts as a means of preserving their history and telling their untold/undertold stories.
Through North Texas Giving Day we seek gifts totaling $2,500 to help offset the cost of staging the 2027 "Before the Cities, Before the Highways" Garland Native American Heritage Day in March 2027. It will feature keynote speakers sharing about their Indigenous heritage, Native American dances, food. art, original music, and displays.
We are fully committed to being proactive in the area of race equity, working toward identifying areas in our community where the history of groups in our community have not been fully told and remedying this situation where possible. We will be sensitive toward race inequity wherever we find it and keep this at the forefront of all aspects of our operations and programs. Our goal is that our organization reach out and benefit the lot of all people.
Organization name
Friends of Garland's Historic Magic 11th Street
Tax id (EIN)
81-5240900
Causes
Community Improvement
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
313 S. 11th Street