Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Museum — Local services in Irving

While exploring West Irving, I came across the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center/Museum and was instantly intrigued. It felt like walking straight into a piece of living history. The museum offers tours by appointment only, so walk-ins aren’t available. The experience is impactful and thoughtfully curated, honoring African-American history through the powerful stories and enduring legacies of the local Bear Creek community.

Three Restored Buildings, Three Powerful Stories:

The museum is composed of three restored structures, each now serving as a museum that illuminates a different facet of Bear Creek’s past:

The Bear Creek Masonic Lodge: This museum greets you with a powerful audio-visual experience that explores both the Bear Creek Community and the history of African American history in Irving. The narration is warm and informative; some stories were new to me, others were a meaningful refresher.

The J.O. Davis House: This museum dives into the lived experiences of Bear Creek residents, with the Josey O. Davis House serving as a former residence of its namesake. One exhibit that stood out was the story of Ola Howard, a local woman who helped Black women access fashion during segregation. Since African Americans were prohibited from shopping in Irving stores, a downtown dress shop owner gave dresses to Ms. Howard, who then displayed them in her home’s window so Black women could browse and buy. Seeing a few of those dresses recreated in the window, just as they were in the 1950s, was incredibly poignant.

The Green House: This museum, once home to Sam Green, is thoughtfully restored with period furnishings like a cast iron stove, vintage bedroom set, and floral wallpaper—each detail capturing the rhythm of daily life in Bear Creek...

Perfect for friends and the whole family, learn about the important African-American history of the Bear Creek area and the people who have made this community home for generations. Staff could of been more helpful but still...

I grew up as a child in Bear Creek playing in my grandmother and grandfather front yard of Jackson street i miss them so much Charlie and Nannie Sirles love and miss you...