Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center tells the story of the African-American enclave in Irving’s Bear Creek community during the period of racial segregation in America, and of the lives of African-Americans in Bear Creek from the time slaves were emancipated to the period of Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and 60s. Located in west Irving, Bear Creek is one of the oldest Dallas County African-American communities.

The area became predominantly African American after former slaves started moving into the area after the emancipation. The Heritage Center consists of three museums: The Bear Creek Masonic Lodge, which served as a community center to all masons and not only the African-American; the Green House, the home of Sam Green, a long-term leading community resident; and the J.O. Davis House, a walk-through museum of the Bear Creek community. The Center also has a lovingly maintained Native Plant Garden.

3925 Jackson St, Irving, TX 75061, 972-721-2501

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