Discover Dallas With the Summer Sizzlers Series Hosted by Preservation Dallas

Preservation Dallas has developed some exceptional programming over the years to make our long, hot summers a bit more enjoyable. This year, the Summer Sizzler series features a collection of field trips and discussions focused on Dallas history.

The 2025 Summer Sizzlers kick off this month with a field trip to the Dallas Municipal Archives at City Hall. The city archivist, John Slate, will share some fascinating information from the more than 2,000 cubic feet of city records.

In 1985, the city established the Dallas Municipal Archives to preserve, protect, and provide public access to our governmental records. There are thousands of documents, architectural plans, photographs, maps, speeches, and records here.

Don’t think for a moment that this is not exciting because the collections include the Dallas Police Department materials on Bonnie and Clyde and, of course, President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

In July, the 2025 Summer Sizzlers field trip will take us to the SMU Library Archives at the Hamon Arts Library.  Archivists Cynthia Franco, Scott Martin, Jeremy Spracklen, and Molly Steed will discuss what may be the most varied collection of materials in Dallas. The archives were founded in 1967 with two primary purposes: “Collecting and preserving historical materials, making them available for reference and research, and providing useful documentation of the policies, people, aims, achievements, and events of the university.”

Among the treasures housed here are the Stanley Marcus papers and the Belo Corporation records from 1827 to 2000. There’s also the DeGolyer Library. One of its collections that will really resonate with our field trippers is the life’s work of photographer Andy Hanson, who photographed practically every celebrity, politician, and notable person who lived in or visited Dallas, creating the most in-depth collection of visual records of Dallas history from 1955 to 2008.

August brings us downtown to the Dallas Public Library, where archivists Misty Maberry and Brandon Murray, who are part of my circle of go-to historic resources, will share information on one of the most amazing collections in Dallas. From materials on the historic residences of downtown Dallas to works by Texas artists, the Dallas History & Archives Department of the Dallas Public Library is one of the best resources we have. Here, you can learn how to discover who built your home and who has lived in it since its construction. The archives department also hosts excellent lectures and exhibits.

Don’t worry if you miss one of the Summer Sizzler field trips because Preservation Dallas will host a round-up featuring a panel of archivists in September. This panel will discuss their experience, the importance of archives, and what you can learn from them.

Get your tickets for the Summer Sizzler series here and join us for these exciting field trips and discussions!