Longtime Director of Education looks forward to continuing to build partnerships in the community, improving visitor experience through reimagined exhibit buildings, and preserving local history

Melissa Prycer, longtime Director of Education at Dallas Heritage Village, was recently named President & Executive Director.  She succeeds Gary Smith, who remains at the Village in a part-time capacity, serving as Director of Strategic Projects.  During her decade at the Village, she has launched a lecture series, hands-on classes for children, a preschool storytime, numerous collaborative events, and increased school tours.  She was also instrumental in the redesign of the General Store exhibit into a hands-on, participatory space.  Among other educational outreach accomplishments, she reinvented the Junior Historian program for teens.  Over 40 teens are now active volunteers as the museum and have successfully completed exhibits in the Doctor’s Office and Worth Hotel. 

“Melissa Prycer’s appointment as Executive Director comes at a very exciting time,” said Don Baynham, Chairman, Board of Directors, Dallas Heritage Village. “The Village is looking forward to growth, we’re about to complete our strategic plan, and the area around us is beginning to develop. Melissa, with her energy, knowledge, and expertise, is the right person, at the right time, in the right place!”

As Executive Director, Prycer looks forward to continuing to build partnerships with the community, particularly in the burgeoning Cedars Neighborhood and Farmer’s Market neighborhood, improving the visitor experience through reimagined exhibit buildings, preserving local history, and providing a place for curious learners of all ages to discover history.   

“I never imagined when I came to the Village 10 years ago, I would be in this position today,” said Melissa Prycer.  “From Programs Manager to Curator of Education to Director of Education to Associate Director to Interim Executive Director, I have worn many hats and have loved every one of them.  The Executive Director hat comes at an exciting time as investment and development dollars are flowing into the Cedars Neighborhood and Farmer’s market area, and Vogel Alcove is moving into the old City Park Elementary.  We have new events planned with new partners and exciting renovations ahead for the Depot, Farmstead and Education Building as well as new ideas for programs and exhibits.  It is my hope to encourage new visitors to the Village, keeping it a fresh and inviting destination full of opportunities for learning, fun, and discovery.”

Prycer received a bachelor’s degree in history from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, and a master’s degree in public history from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.   Prior to joining Dallas Heritage Village in 2004, she served as research assistant with Plano Heritage Farmstead and as programming assistant with Historic Oak View County Park in North Carolina. 

Active professionally, she has served as Secretary and Chair of the Texas Association of Museums Educators’ Committee, made several presentations at the TAM Annual Meeting, and is completing a term as Councilor-at-Large for the Texas Association of Museums.  Melissa is also active nationally, serving as a Peer Reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums’ MAP program and on the Small Museums Committee for the American Association of State and Local History.  As a historian, she has presented papers for the Dallas History Conference and written book reviews, focusing her interest on women's history and African American history during the early 20th century.  She has also published articles in Public History News and History News, as well as a chapter in the book The Intimate Life of L. M. Montgomery.

“It goes without saying that Dallas Heritage Village would not be where it is today without the leadership of my predecessor Gary Smith and such a talented and enthusiastic staff,” added Prycer.  “Without question, I have some big shoes to fill but am ready, excited, and grateful for the challenge.”

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Dallas Heritage Village, located at Old City Park, is a nationally accredited history museum, depicting life in Dallas from 1840-1910. It is one of only five museums in the Dallas area to have this distinction. The grounds showcase 38 historic structures, including log cabins, the pre-Civil War Millermore home, a Victorian Main Street, a railroad complex, an 1860s farmstead with livestock, a 19^th century church, school and more.  Visitors discover how crops were grown, animals cared for and how family living progressed from log cabins to grand manors and Victorian homes.  Dallas Heritage Village is supported, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts as well as individual and group donations. Dallas Heritage Village was nominated in 2011 and 2012 by D Magazine as one of the top Dallas-area family attractions.  It is located at 1515 South Harwood, one block south of Farmers Market in Downtown Dallas. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. The Village is closed the months of January and August. Regular admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children ages 4-12.  Children under 4 and members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge. For more information call 214-421-5141 or visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org

Spring 2014 Calendar – Dallas Heritage Village

1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX  75215

Unless otherwise noted, tickets can be purchased for all of these events online (www.dallasheritagevillage.org).

 Regular admission rates:  $9 adults; $7 seniors (65+); and $5 for children ages 4-12.  Children under 4 and members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge.

For questions or to RSVP, contact the Reservations Coordinator at 214-413-3674 or reservations@dallasheritagevillage.org

March

Old Time Music Jam   Saturday, March 1 and 15, 2 – 4:30 p.m. – free with admission

Tap your toes, clap your hands and join in the Old Time Music Jam.  Folks gather 'round to play old time tunes, a sort of acoustic, fiddle-infused precursor to bluegrass and country as we know it. Come join in the fun! This twice monthly jam has their home base in Browder Springs Hall.

Gun Fights at the Village   Saturday, March 1 and 15, noon and 1 p.m., weather permitting, free with admission.  Witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village’s Main Street.  Performed by the Trinity River Desperados, visitors will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement turns into a gun fight on Main Street.  After the gun fight, visit with members of the Trinity River Desperados.  Be sure to ask each member for a trading card.  You’ll want to be on the lookout for these desperados!

Spring Fling: It Takes a Village!  March 11-14   (Activity times: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (regular admission rates)

This year’s week-long event theme is about the process of working together, creating community art using recycled and found materials, and learning more about the past and how neighbors depended on each other to survive.  Whether bringing in the herd or raising a barn, neighbors helped and communities were born.  Looking back at history and moving forward today, the village will be creating community art all week using recycled and found materials to complete the projects.  Bring old or new items to add to the installations and help us establish our collective identity in downtown Dallas!  Examples of art projects: a giant loom, a 3D sculpture, mural and sidewalk paintings with local artists assisting.  Additionally, as restoration will be in progress at the Depot, visitors will have the opportunity to try out historic tools.

Suggested items to share:

Textiles (yarn, ribbon, rugs, fabric, old clothes, etc.), broken tools or appliances, dishes, shoes, wood (old frames, furniture, etc.), parts and pieces are welcome!  Think outside the box, and let’s find a new purpose for that item you hate to throw away but don’t know what to do with. 

Barnyard Buddies: Cloud Gazing   March 12   11 a.m.

$5/participating child.  1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

With our community art happening at the village this week, lets look up at the biggest canvas of all –

the sky, as we paint with our imaginations!  In It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Shaw, The white shape silhouetted against a blue background changes on every page. Is it a rabbit, a bird, or just spilt milk?

Family Past Times: Dallas Jazz Era Sunday Social with the Singapore Slingers  (NEW EVENT!!)

Sunday, March 30   Noon- 4 p.m.

Kids 12 and under free.  All others: $10.

Dallas Heritage Village and the Art Deco Society of Dallas proudly present the inaugural Dallas Jazz Era Sunday Social! Dress in your finest whites and enjoy an afternoon of live music at the recently restored Van Cleave Bandstand.  Costume contest at 2:30 for best “Lawn Party attire”—think vintage bathing beauties, walking whites and parasols.  Bring a picnic but save room for dessert at Carnival Barker's Ice Creams.  Learn a few vintage dance steps with Elaine Hewlett from the Rhythm Room.  An array of Model A Fords will be on display from Vintage Coach, so bring your cameras.  Play a game or two of croquet or tour the historic structures of the Village.  Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. Ongoing Dallas Heritage Village activities such as tours of the Millermore and Sullivan homes will also be available. Listen in on the party line as you learn about the Village's history through the cell phone tour and play in the Learning Lounge with trains, Lincoln Logs and doll houses.  The Blum Brothers store will be open for young shopkeepers, shoppers, and postal workers.  Nip and Tuck will also be busy giving their ever-popular rides around the Village for 25 cents a person.

April

Old Time Music Jam   Saturday, April 5 and 19, 2 – 4:30 p.m. – free with admission

Tap your toes, clap your hands and join in the Old Time Music Jam.  Folks gather 'round to play old time tunes, a sort of acoustic, fiddle-infused precursor to bluegrass and country as we know it. Come join in the fun!This twice monthly jam has their home base in Browder Springs Hall.

Gun Fights at the Village   Saturday, April 5 and 19, noon and 1 p.m., weather permitting, free with admission.  Witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village’s Main Street.  Performed by the Trinity River Desperados, visitors will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement turns into a gun fight on Main Street.  After the gun fight, visit with members of the Trinity River Desperados.  Be sure to ask each member for a trading card.  You’ll want to be on the lookout for these desperados!

Barnyard Buddies: Shovel Ready!  April 9    11 a.m.

$5/participating child.    1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Let’s get back to basics at the farmstead and help with spring chores.  We’ll start our work with A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss, the funniest book of definitions you’ll ever read.

Family Past Times: Egg Roll:  April 13 Noon-4 p.m.

Kids free.  Adults $9.  65+ $7

See the Village in full bloom, make a basket and flowers to put in it, and participate in a White House tradition right here in Dallas, our annual egg roll race!  This year, as a special treat, the first  100 children will receive a bag of historic goodies from the White House Easter Egg Roll, donated by the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  We will also be rolling the same eggs that kids roll on the White House Lawn!  Egg rolls will be held throughout the day with first one beginning at 1 p.m.

History with a Twist:  April 26   6 p.m. – 11 p.m.   Individual tickets: $75; Couples Ticket: $125; Contact Lisa Simpson, 214-413-3662, lsimpson@dallasheritagevillage.org.

History with a Twist is a celebration of classic American cocktails, created by noted Dallas Mixologist Michael Martensen, served along the charming Main Street at Dallas Heritage village, which features historic buildings, including a bank, general store, a saloon, and rail depot.  Attendees may visit various cocktail stations until 10 p.m., while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by the Singapore Slingers. Proceeds will benefit building restoration.   Highlights include:

• Period music by Singapore Slingers, the fox trot orchestra that the Dallas Observer calls, “the city’s coolest, quirkiest, retro jazz group.” 
• Vintage attire from Prohibition and the early 20^th century encouraged. Costume accessories will be available for sale that night.
• A silent auction featuring dining and wine packages, along with some exclusive experiences. Photo booth available for you to document the occasion—either the old-fashioned way with prints or sent directly to Facebook or Twitter.
• Atmosphere to spare with silent movies playing in the background, a vintage car display and the opportunity to put your friends in “jail” (and have them bail their way out), and more! 

May

Old Time Music Jam   Saturday, May 3 and 17, 2 – 4:30 p.m. – free with admission

Tap your toes, clap your hands and join in the Old Time Music Jam.  Folks gather 'round to play old time tunes, a sort of acoustic, fiddle-infused precursor to bluegrass and country as we know it. Come join in the fun!This twice monthly jam has their home base in Browder Springs Hall.

Gun Fights at the Village   Saturday, May 3 and 17, noon  and 1 p.m., weather permitting, free with admission.  Witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village’s Main Street.  Performed by the Trinity River Desperados, visitors will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement turns into a gun fight on Main Street.  After the gun fight, visit with members of the Trinity River Desperados.  Be sure to ask each member for a trading card.  You’ll want to be on the lookout for these desperados!

History at Work/Girl Scout Day  May 3 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Discount tickets ($5 each) available online through May 1.  Gate: $10/adult, $6/child and $8/senior, 65+

What was it like for a child in the new urban environments of the Old West?  Children were no longer doing chores around the farm but getting jobs in the city to help support the family.  Discover the types of work available at the turn-of-the-last century.  How do a town’s businesses relate with each other?  Try your hand at a few odd jobs around DHV, meet requirements for Girl Scout badges and experience life as a modern urban dweller of the 19th century.  Where would you want to live, in the city hotel or back at the farmstead?

Barnyard Buddies: Daydreams May 14 11 a.m.

$5/participating child.   1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Come away with us as we dream a little daydream today.  We’ll discover what happens when A girl's wish to sail for a day on a boat named for her "with someone nice for company" comes true in The Maggie B by Irene Hass.

Front Porch Showdown   Saturday, May 31.  Featuring Sgt. Peppers Lonely Bluegrass Band

Gates open at Noon.  Showdown begins at 4 p.m.  Sgt. Peppers takes the porch at 7:15 p.m.

Kids 12 and under free.  Advance tickets: $10.  Gate: $12  Tickets go on sale March 1.  

Dallas Heritage Village and the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation proudly present the Front Porch Showdown.  Performing from historic Millermore’s front porch, ten bluegrass bands will compete for cash prizes—and the winners will be chosen by the audience.  Come early to explore Dallas Heritage Village (exhibit buildings close at 4 p.m.), but stay for the music.  Picnics, blankets and lawn chairs welcome.

June

Old Time Music Jam   Saturday, June 7 and 21, 2 – 4:30 p.m. – free with admission

Tap your toes, clap your hands and join in the Old Time Music Jam.  Folks gather 'round to play old time tunes, a sort of acoustic, fiddle-infused precursor to bluegrass and country as we know it. Come join in the fun! This twice monthly jam has their home base in Browder Springs Hall.

Gun Fights at the Village   Saturday, June 7 and 21, noon and 1 p.m., weather permitting, free with admission.  Witness early Dallas law and order, settler style, on the Village’s Main Street.  Performed by the Trinity River Desperados, visitors will get a firsthand view of the “Wild West” when a mild disagreement turns into a gun fight on Main Street.  After the gun fight, visit with members of the Trinity River Desperados.  Be sure to ask each member for a trading card.  You’ll want to be on the lookout for these desperados!

Family Past Times: High Flyin’ Flags   Saturday, June 14 (activities 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Kids (and dads!) are free.  Additional Adults: $9, Seniors 65+ $7

It’s not often that we get to celebrate flags and fathers on the same weekend.  Flag Day is a day to honor and learn about the "Stars and Stripes." The American flag has a colorful history and interesting evolution.  Join us for a day of high flying activities as we learn about our country’s flag and the flags that represent our 50 states.

Barnyard Buddies: Books!  June 4, 11 a.m.

$5/participating child.  1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Do you enjoy going to the library?  If you were a sheep, what book would you want to check out?

In Book, Book, Book! By Debora Bruss, when the children go back to school the animals on the farm have nothing to do. So, they decide to go to the library, where all the happy people are coming from! The only problem is getting the librarian to understand what they want. 

Barnyard Buddies: At the Store   June 11, 11 a.m.

$5/participating child.  1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Have you ever been given an important job to do?  In Down the Road, we’ll go on Hetty’s first trip by herself to the store.  We’ll end our day with some time in the Village’s General Store.  How is your visit like Hetty’s?

Barnyard Buddies:  Notes from the Barnyard   June 18, 11 a.m.

$5/participating child.  1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Do you ever talk to your dog or cat?  What would you think if they began leaving you notes?

In Click Clack Moo, Farmer Brown thinks it's odd when he hears typing sounds coming from the barn. But his troubles really begin when his cows start leaving him notes.  What kind of note would Nip and Tuck write?

Barnyard Buddies: Drumming Up Business   June 25, 11 a.m.

$5/participating child.  1 accompanying adult per child free.  Additional adults: $9

Today we go back to the days of traveling salesmen and peddlers, just like the salesmen who used to stay at the Worth Hotel.  What would it be like to walk from village to village selling your wares?

In Caps for Sale, a peddler walks from town to town, selling the caps he proudly balances in a stack on his head. 

July

Old Time Music Jam   Saturday, July 5 and 19, 2 – 4:30 p.m. – free with admission

Tap your toes, clap your hands and join in the Old Time Music Jam. Folks gather 'round to play old time tunes, a sort of acoustic, fiddle-infused precursor to bluegrass and country as we know it. Come join in the fun! This twice monthly jam has their home base in Browder Springs Hall.

Old Fashioned Fourth   Friday, July 4  10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – regular admission

Kick off your Independence Day weekend with a leisurely afternoon at Dallas Heritage Village.  Deck your family out in red, white and blue, grab your picnic basket and celebrate our nation’s past.  Explore the Village and chat with costumed characters.  Test your modern skills against a variety of Victorian era games, including the Junior Historian Carnival and its famous stick pony race.  Musical performances will keep your toes tapping, and you’ll have a chance to make your own special patriotic souvenir. 

September

Clockwork Con   Saturday, September 13  10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Advance through September 10: $10/adults, $8/Seniors 65 + and $6/Kids.  Gate: $12/adults, $10/Seniors and $8/Kids.

Steampunk comes to Dallas Heritage Village.  Additional details coming soon.

Dallas Heritage Village, located at Old City Park, is a nationally accredited history museum, depicting life in Dallas from 1840-1910. It is one of only five museums in the Dallas area to have this distinction. The grounds showcase 38 historic structures, including log cabins, the pre-Civil War Millermore home, a Victorian Main Street, a railroad complex, an 1860s farmstead with livestock, a 19^th century church, school and more.  Visitors discover how crops were grown, animals cared for and how family living progressed from log cabins to grand manors and Victorian homes.  Dallas Heritage Village is supported, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts as well as individual and group donations. Dallas Heritage Village was nominated in 2011 and 2012 by D Magazine as one of the top Dallas-area family attractions.  It is located at 1515 South Harwood, one block south of Farmers Market in Downtown Dallas. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. The Village is closed the months of January and August. Regular admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children ages 4-12.  Children under 4 and members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge. For more information call 214-421-5141 or visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org

BALFOUR BEATTY CONSTRUCTION REBUILDS DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE’S HISTORIC BANDSTAND

AS A TRIBUTE TO RETIRING, CIVIC-MINDED CEO ROBERT VAN CLEAVE

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony kicks off first night of 42^nd Annual Candlelight at Dallas Heritage Village

DALLAS, Texas – December 19, 2013 – Christmas came early for Dallas Heritage Village thanks to a generous gift from Balfour Beatty Construction, who, upon seeing the Village’s dismantled historic Bandstand on a visit to plan CEO Robert Van Cleave’s retirement party, decided they had found the perfect retirement gift.   On Saturday, December 14, Robert Van Cleave, incoming CEO Mark Layman, Dallas Heritage Village Interim Executive Director Melissa Prycer, Dallas Heritage Village board members, Balfour Beatty employees and leading subcontractors participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Van Cleave Bandstand, lighting the first candles of Dallas Heritage Village’s 42^nd Annual Candlelight Celebration.

First built in 1974, the Bandstand served as the logo for Dallas Heritage Village for 25 years and has been the center of events, musical performances, proposals, weddings, hands-on activities and more. 

“It was just one year ago that the Bandstand’s future was uncertain,” said Dallas Heritage Village Interim Executive Director Melissa Prycer.  “During routine maintenance, staff discovered serious wood rot at the top of the columns.  The Bandstand was no longer structurally sound, and we made the decision to remove the roof in late December for our visitors’ safety and to prepare the Bandstand for repair.  As we continued to examine the Bandstand, the costs for full repair kept rising.  What had initially looked like a $30,000 project more than tripled in cost.  As much as we loved the Bandstand, we weren’t sure we could raise the necessary money.  And then a visit to Dallas Heritage Village by Balfour Beatty Construction in July changed everything!”

Staff from Balfour Beatty visited Dallas Heritage Village in search of a venue for CEO Robert Van Cleave’s retirement party.  Balfour Beatty has a long history with Dallas Heritage Village with building projects, including construction of the very pavilion where the staff was contemplating holding the retirement party dinner.  Additionally, Dallas Heritage Village board members strengthened the partnership over the years.  Current Board Member Regina Pistor’s late husband Charles Pistor served as one of Van Cleave’s mentors.  Additionally, the Pistors’ son Jeff is also a longtime employee of Balfour Beatty Construction.

“When we initially sat down to plan Robert’s retirement celebration, we knew we wanted to hold it somewhere meaningful to him, and we thought of Dallas Heritage Village,” said Dianne Clifton, Director, Brand Marketing and Communications.  “He is extremely civic-minded, and we also knew he wouldn’t accept a gift.  Then while walking the grounds of Dallas Heritage Village with Helen Muncaster, Director of Sales, we saw the bandstand sitting in pieces on the ground.   When we asked about it, Helen explained and expressed the staff’s concerns for its funding for repair.  That’s when we knew we had found the perfect gift for Robert.”

"We were truly excited when we realized the opportunity to restore the Bandstand as a tribute to Robert,” said Mark Layman, president and incoming CEO, Balfour Beatty.  “Robert and his wife, Sharon, have both been consistent supporters and personally engaged in the growth and needs of Dallas for so many years.  It is the perfect gift to honor both Robert's years of service to Balfour Beatty and our great city."

“I am honored that Balfour Beatty chose to celebrate my retirement with the reconstruction of the Van Cleave Bandstand at Dallas Heritage Village,” said Robert Van Cleave.  “It signifies yet another step in Balfour Beatty’s longstanding history with Dallas Heritage Village – and provides yet another significant investment in this wonderful treasure and in our community!”

“Dallas Heritage Village is beyond grateful for this generous gift from Balfour Beatty Construction, and we celebrate the renewal of this long-time visual centerpiece of the Village,” said Melissa Prycer.  “On behalf of the staff, the board, and our visitors to the Village – many of whom have very special memories of the bandstand – we thank you.  We thank you not only for this amazing gift, but also for your partnership and all that you do and mean to this community.  And we hope that Mr. Van Cleave’s retirement years will bring as much joy to him as he has brought to others.”

# # #

Dallas Heritage Village, located at Old City Park, is a nationally accredited history museum, depicting life in Dallas from 1840-1910. It is one of only five museums in the Dallas area to have this distinction. The grounds showcase 38 historic structures, including log cabins, the pre-Civil War Millermore home, a Victorian Main Street, a railroad complex, an 1860s farmstead with livestock, a 19^th century church, school and more.  Visitors discover how crops were grown, animals cared for and how family living progressed from log cabins to grand manors and Victorian homes.  Dallas Heritage Village is supported, in part, by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Commission on the Arts as well as individual and group donations. Dallas Heritage Village was nominated in 2011 and 2012 by D Magazine as one of the top Dallas-area family attractions.  It is located at 1515 South Harwood, one block south of Farmers Market in Downtown Dallas. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, noon – 4 p.m. The Village is closed the months of January and August. Regular admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children ages 4-12.  Children under 4 and members of Dallas Heritage Village are admitted free of charge. For more information call 214-421-5141 or visit www.DallasHeritageVillage.org