Friends of the Irving Museums

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Help Us Give the Big State Sign a Permanent Home! 

The iconic Big State sign was nearly lost forever—but thanks to passionate community support, we saved this beloved piece of Irving history. Now, we need your help to fund its preservation and develop plans for its permanent home in the Heritage District.

Every donation goes directly toward restoring and rehoming this landmark, ensuring it remains a lasting symbol of our city’s past. Be part of history—donate today and help us bring the Big State sign back to light!

ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF THE IRVING MUSEUMS:

Formed in 2003, the Friends of the Irving Museums was created to advocate for and support museums in Irving, Texas. However, the organization’s roots trace back to 1971 as a truly community-driven effort by dedicated citizens of Irving. These individuals, without financial compensation, worked toward the long-term goal of establishing a museum for the city. Their efforts led to the creation of the Plymouth Park Museum, which was the foundation for something greater. After years of advocacy, the Irving Archives & Museum (IAM) finally opened its doors in 2020. The Friends of the Irving Museums is committed to engaging and serving Irving’s community through meaningful outreach, cultural programming, and exhibits that celebrate the diverse heritage that is represented in the demographics of the city. The organization has collaborated with other nonprofits, including the Heritage Society and the Irving Black Arts Council, to promote cultural inclusivity. Among its many contributions, the Friends sponsors free Second Saturdays at IAM, supports the Spark!Lab, funded the Mustangs' 50th Anniversary Celebration, and helped organize the Popol Vuh and Ballet Folklórico: An Evening of Storytelling fundraiser event. In recognition of its dedication to the community, the Friends was honored to be nominated for Non-Profit of the Year by the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Friends is a 501(c)3 that provides essential support to the Irving museums. This support funds exhibitions, public programs, educational opportunities for students, and care of our historical collections. Your contribution will help us continue to bring quality programming and learning experiences to our community. Thank you!

ABOUT IRVING'S MUSEUMS:

The Irving Archives and Museum is a 22,000 sq ft facility on the first floor of the Jack D. Huffman Community Building. The museum has a permanent exhibition titled “The Irving Story” that explores the history of our community from early settler days through the present. The museum also includes a Smithsonian Spark!Lab, the first in Texas. In Spark!Lab, students have the opportunity to explore the process of invention through hands-on activities. The activities incorporate STEM with art, history, and creativity. The museum has multiple temporary gallery and programming spaces as well which feature nationally travelling exhibitions and community-curated exhibits and programs.

The Ruth Paine House Museum tells the story of events leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy from a female perspective. Ruth Paine was friends with, and providing shelter to, Marina Oswald in 1963 and Lee Harvey Oswald stayed at the Paine home the night before the assassination. The Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, named for Irving’s first African American councilwoman, includes three historic structures, and interprets the African American Experience from Emancipation through the Civil Rights Movement. Bear Creek is one of the oldest freedman communities in Texas. The Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center welcomes visitors to the internationally renowned sculpture by Robert Glen. The museum provides the history of the sculpture and provides visitors information about other cultural activities to explore in Irving.