Founded in 1904, the Play Street Museum – McKinney in McKinney, Texas, is a historic sacred site for McKinney. Located in downtown McKinney, the museum features an expansive collection of artifacts and artworks related to early life in the city. From photographs to diaries to books, the museum tells the story of the area’s history fascinatingly and engagingly. Learn more here.
The McKinney Play Street museum was initially established by the city’s first African-American minister, the Reverend J.D.P. Miller. His vision was to create a place where black Americans could share stories and celebrate their unique heritage. It began as an outdoor lecture house but was soon replaced by an indoor space, and the collection grew in size and scope over the years. Today, the Play Street Museum – McKinney is a celebration of the city’s African-American history and culture. It focuses on preserving African-Americans’ history, culture, and traditions in McKinney, including artifacts and artworks. Notable items on display include a collection of photographs from the 1930s, with portraits of African-Americans in the city, as well as dolls dressed in the traditional clothing of that period. There are also various books, journals, and newspapers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Another key feature of the museum is the variety of oral history recordings visitors can listen to. Interviews with the community elders provide vivid memories of the city’s African-American past and offer insight into the struggles and successes of that era. Learn more about Collin County Farm Museum in McKinney, Texas.