Society

EXPLORE THE ALAMO, OTHER GREAT EXHIBITS AT THE HALL OF STATE

Dallas Historical Society celebrates century of preservation, education

By William Taylor

william.taylor@peoplenewspapers.com

Is it possible to pick a favorite with 3 million items in the archives and artifact collections of the Dallas Historical Society (DHS)?

How about Sam Houston’s handwritten account of the Battle of San Jacinto, the only known original Juneteenth document, James Fannin’s watch, or Santa Anna’s spurs?

Society executive director Karl Chiao, who grew up in San Antonio, has his favorite – one of the newest exhibits at the Hall of State at Fair Park.

The 24-by-14-foot Texas Liberty Forever: The Battle of the Alamo diorama, depicting events of the morning of March 6, 1836, went on display in March, kicking off DHS’s 100th Anniversary celebration.

“It took three years to get the diorama delivered and set up permanently in the South Texas room at the Hall of State,” he said. “But that’s a drop in the bucket compared to the 20 years that it took Mr. Thomas Feely and his research team to create it.”

The exhibit, supported by lead sponsors Stanley V. Graff and Reed Graff, features 2,000-plus hand-painted pewter figures plus an interactive mobile app.

It took three years to get the diorama delivered and set up permanently in the South Texas room at the Hall of State. Karl Chiao

Dallas Historical Society executive director Karl Chiao and artist Thomas Feely look over a massive Alamo diorama at the Hall of State. Visitors are able to explore it more

thoroughly with an interactive app. (PHOTOS: DANNY CAMPBELL AND COURTESY DHS)

“It gives context to the size and scale of the battle that you cannot get anywhere else, including going to the actual Alamo site,” Chiao said. Established in 1922, DHS uses its collections and exhibits to educate and inspire future generations, serving more than 20,000 students and welcoming 160,000-plus visitors annually.

“The most surprising collection we have is that of Admiral Chester Nimitz,” Chiao said. “With there being a Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, Texas, I would have thought that his WWII items would have been there. However, when he donated these items to DHS in 1946, there was not yet a museum in Fredericksburg. We are fortunate to have not only his insignia but also his WWII uniform and the admiral’s flag that followed him everywhere he went.”

CELEBRATE

What: The Dallas Historical Society Centennial Gala When: Nov. 12 – cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Where: Hall of State at Fair Park, 3939 Grand Ave. Chairs: Kristen Sanger and Lisa Singleton Online: dallashistory.org

Chiao, a former DHS trustee who became executive director in 2018, oversaw the yearlong citybond funded $14.4 million renovation of the Hall of State that wrapped up in November 2020, returning the building to its original 1936 glory.

Next came a six-month restoration project after sprinkler pipes busted during the winter storm of February 2021, causing $3 million in water damage.

“Now that our building has been restored, we will be focusing on educating not only the next generation but also all the new transplants moving into the metroplex about this wonderful city they now call home,” Chiao said. “We want to make sure they understand why Dallas is such an amazing place and the role that North Texas played in the history of Texas.”

Tennis, Not Just Anyone: Dirk’s Friends Serve Up Fun for Charity

Luka Dončić

Dirk Nowitzki and fans Steve Nash

(PHOTOS AND STORY: CADE HAMNER)

NBA greats, tennis legends, and celebrities gathered at SMU’s Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex on Sept. 25 for some light-hearted competition supporting the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation’s focus on children’s well-being, health, and education.

As Dirk held center court, his invited celebrities, including Luka Dončić, JJ Barea, Steve Nash, Ben Stiller, Andy Roddick, and John Isner, rotated through five adjacent courts as fans cheered and laughed from the seats above.

“After a wonderful night with sponsors and friends and raising a lot of money for my charity, we’re thrilled to be out here to have some fun today,” Nowitzki said.

Ben Stiller, making his second appearance, added, “It’s amazing what Dirk’s doing for this community. He is Dallas.”

Scott Tennant and Tommy Habeeb Doug Pruitt, Marci Pruitt, and Payton Pruitt

(PHOTOS: DANNY CAMPBELL)

New Dallas-based nonprofit Live to Give raised $160,000 during its inaugural fundraiser and celebrated at the Preston Hollow estate home of chair Scott Tenant and husband Keith Yonick, also a board member.

Established in July, the nonprofit advocates for the betterment of humans, horses, and hounds and supports three beneficiaries Believe Ranch and Rescue (horses), Rally Project (veterans), and To the Rescue TV (hounds). Believe Ranch is in Colorado. The other beneficiaries are in Dallas.

During the Welcome to the Family Check Presentation and Reveal on Aug. 29, each nonprofit received a $45,000 check. Rally Project received another $25,000 to fund Medical/PTSD care for veterans.

– Staff report

Allyson Aynesworth, Tommy Habeeb, and Claudie Habeeb Kimberly Elliott, Keith Yonick, Melanie Rice, Scott Tennant, Sys Savanh, Phyllis Song, Jerry Gutierrez, and Kelly Hanna