The Irving Heritage Society was originally established in 1978 as an entity to maintain and preserve the Heritage House which was built in 1912. The Heritage House serves as a tour home for the community and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The Irving Heritage Society has also served the city on many major projects with leadership roles, financial support, volunteers, and various expertise. These projects include the development of Heritage Park, the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, a written history of Irving by Dr. Joseph Rice, and the recently completed Irving Archives and Museum.
The three Strategic Directions the Heritage Society outlined for 2025-2028 seek to expand programming, increase membership size, diversity and strengthen governance.
The Heritage House was built in 1912 by C.P. Schulze, brother of the co-founder of Irving. Only one family has lived in the home. It is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. In the backyard is the exact reconstruction of Mary's Playhouse. This building was originally a chicken coop which was converted into a playhouse for the young Mary Schulze in the 1920s. Over the years, the building began to deteriorate. It was rebuilt, using many of the same boards, and rededicated in 2015. The playhouse is furnished with many original toys and items from young Mary Schulze and her brother Charles for young visitors to see.
The Irving Heritage Society is a vibrant, intergenerational volunteer organization that:
ADVOCATES for historic preservation.
EDUCATES the community on its heritage.
PRESERVES and accumulates local history.
Assistance with our community outreach program is a current need. As the City of Irving grows, we seek to broaden our connection with new residents and businesses, as well as students throughout the Irving Independent School District.
Vision: A diverse community that values its past, celebrates its present, and embraces its future.
Membership in the Irving Heritage Society is open to any interested person; with membership levels for individuals, families, seniors, and corporate sponsors.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
Docent
Irving Heritage House
Organization name
Irving Heritage Society
Causes
Community Improvement, Arts & Humanities, Parks and Greenspaces
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Hispanic or Latinx, Black or African American, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Other
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
PO Box 171572