Eat, Drink, And Enjoy The History of North Texas’ Finest Establishments at The Legacies Conference

The 23rd Annual Legacies Dallas History Conference takes a light-hearted turn this year by featuring what our city has become known for — great places to eat and drink!  

The Legacies Dallas History Conference is a spin-off of the bi-annual publication “Legacies: a History Journal for Dallas and North Central Texas,” started by Dr. Michael V. Hazel, who also founded the conference.

This has always been the publication local historians value, and it’s a veritable treasure trove of information. It’s not surprising that an annual conference began 23 years ago. It’s chock full of the most interesting information presented by the most devoted amateur historians. 

A Virtual Tour of Dallas’ Bygone Bars And Restaurants

This year, Legacies will host a virtual conference on Saturday, January 29. There’s always something to be said for enjoying an event from your favorite armchair. 

“There are so many different history partners who have come together for so long to put this conference on,” conference coordinator Dealey Campbell said. “It’s a truly collaborative effort with different presentations each year. It’s a lot of fun, and you certainly don’t have to be a history geek to enjoy this conference.” 

One of the things I’m looking forward to is the “Architecture of Eating: Dallas’ Delectable Dining Establishments” presented by David Preziosi, the Executive Director of Preservation Dallas. 

“I will explore the architecture and history of several distinctive restaurants located in Dallas and how their designs helped them to stand out. I will take attendees to the Centennial Exposition for some hot biscuits prepared in a flour mill, visit a frosty inspired place for tasty treats, head to the ranch for some barbecue, travel to the desert oasis of North Africa and go Googie with a restaurant that leads to one of the world’s leading casual dining companies. It will be a fun culinary and architectural journey!”  

There are presentations on the legacy of Pappy’s Showland, the Old Warsaw, restaurateur Nick De George, and Shoemakers Barbecue’s influence. In addition to the presentations, a panel that includes moderator Dallas food journalist Kim Pierce, Betsy Brody with Collin College in Plano, co-founder of the Dallas Mexican-American Historical League Alberto Gonzales, and Deah Berry Mitchell with the Dallas Historical Society will discuss “The Cultural Aspect of Food: Identity, Community, and Creating a Sense of Home in North Texas.”

Presentations were filmed at the Dallas Public Library, which will also host a behind-the-scenes tour of things the public would never get to see.

“The annual Dallas Legacies History Conference is an amazing way to learn about the different facets of Dallas’ very interesting history,” Preziosi said. 

For more information and to register for The Legacies Conference, click here.