northeast texas rural heritage center

Very interesting early 20th century memorabilia. I loved the Ezekiel Airship. This alone is worth the visit.

This county historical center is composed of two sites- for the very reasonable price of one! In the main site we learned about how trains and telegraphs were instrumental for the growth of this area. There is also a room dedicated to agriculture in northeast Texas. But the main attraction is the Ezekiel Airship- built in 1902 and said to have flown before the Wright Brothers! A docent took us through the exhibit and showed us a film about it. After touring the museum- it took about 1 1/2 hours- we were directed to the Heritage Farm a short drive away. Many 100-year old buildings from an old farmstead have been moved into town and set up as a working farm. The wonderful docent (mom of the worker at the other site!) stopped lunch with her friends and gave us a personal tour- we learned so much about the family and their daily life as most every artifact was explained! Then we went through the barn in similar fashion before bring introduced to the chickens! I understand that during warmer seasons the gardens are tended, as well. What made this visit so special was the personal attention we received. It feels like we really got to know this area and its people, and made some friends in the process!