In the 1950s, nineteenth century log structures were quickly vanishing from the North Texas landscape. In order to preserve them and the history of pioneer settlement in North Texas, a group of residents formed the Pioneer Texas Heritage Committee. This committee selected and acquired six log structures of varying architectural styles with the vision of creating a "log cabin village." With the help of Fort Worth's Parks Department, a wooded spot near the Trinity River in Forest Park was selected as the site for this village. However, after all the cabins were moved there, the committee encountered many problems. There was not enough money or support to restore and furnish the structures. Many council members and residents even opposed the project. But through continuing fund-raising efforts and appeals to the community at large, the log houses were restored and furnished by 1963. Then, in 1965, the Parks and Recreation Department voted to accept re!
sponsibility for the village and operate it as a public facility.
In April 1966, the Log Cabin Village opened to the public. Since then, the Village has served as a living history museum for the community and tourists, and it has continued to grow in its vision, interpretation, and scope. In 1975, the Foster Cabin, an 1856 two-story log plantation home, was added. A reproduction blacksmith shop was built in the 1980s. The 1870s Marine Schoolhouse, the oldest one-room school in Fort Worth, was relocated to the Village in 2003. And in 2004, the village acquired an 1860s log smokehouse.
To educate the public through the collection, preservation, and interpretation of artifacts, representative structures, and other objects of social and cultural significance to the Texas pioneer era (1840-1890).
In the 1950's, Fred R. Cotton, former president of the Texas State Historical Association, and a student of Texas history, recognized that the remanants of the log cabin era in Texas were quickly vanishing. He took it upon himself to ensure that several examples of log cabins and log houses were preserved. In search of support, Cotton went to Fort Worth, a city with a genuine frontier experience. It was in Fort Worth where his vision became a reality.
In the mid-1950's, W.A. Schmid Jr. heard of Cotton's project. He was so impressed by it, that he immediately organized the Pioneer Texas Heritage Committee. The committee searched and found six log houses, all of them dating back to the mid 1800's. Each structure represented a different style of log house construction.
With the help of Fort Worth's Parks Department, a spot near the Trinity River in Forest Park was selected as the future site for the village. However, after all the cabins were moved there, the committee encountered many problems. There was not enough money or support to restore and furnish the structures, and many councilmen and residents were opposed to the project. But through countinuing fund raising efforts and appeals to the community at large, the log houses were restored in 1963. Then in 1965, the Parks and Recreation Department voted to accept responsibility for the village and operate it as a public facility.
So, in April 1966, the Log Cabin Village opened to the public. Since then, the Village serves as a living history museum for the community and tourists. In 1975, the Foster Cabin, an 1856 two-story log structure, was added. It serves as General store and visitors Center. Through the efforts of dedicated staff and volunteers, the Village is continually expanding its educational programs and preservation efforts.
Structures: 7 log houses from Parker, Tarrant, and Milam Counties with dates ranging from 1848 to 1860, an 1870s board and batten one-room school, and an 1860s log smoke house.
Educational/Reference Collection: Artifacts dating primarily between 1840 and 1890. These are objects that were made in Texas or were brought and/or used by the diverse residents of the North/Central Texas area, or are directly related to the interpreted time period and cultures. This collection includes furnishings; personal artifacts; household accessories; textiles; and tools and equipment for textileworking, woodworking, blacksmithing, milling, etc.
Public Use Collection: The objects in this collection are primarily reproductions and properly deaccessioned artifacts that have been deemed appropriate for the purpose of public access. The collection includes reproduction toys, household artifacts, furnishings, clothing, toys, and tools and equipment.
Research Collections: 19th century documentary artifacts including letters, deeds, photographs, geneologies, newspapers. books, and other sources pertaining to nineteenth century Texas. The Research Collection also includes objects - primarily furnishings and textiles - that are too delicate or fragile for exhibition. This collection is available for research by appointment only.
Loan Policy: Log Cabin Village (LCV) will only lend objects to other museums and educational institutions and organizations. No exceptions will be made for LCV staff members or other employees of the City of Fort Worth.
No loans will be made to individuals or any other organization or institutions that will not use objects for educational or research purposes.
The curatorial staff has the authority to decide to which institution to lend and for what purpose.
The period of the loan shall not exceed 3 months, with option to renew at that time. Upon expiration of the loan period, the borrowing institution must return the objects promptly in accordance with the loan agreement.
LCV may recall objects on loan before the expiration date if conditions of loan are not met by the borrowing institution, or for any o
"Meet the Pioneers:" participants go through each cabin where "pioneers" demonstrate crafts such as spinning, milling, and candlemaking. "Pioneer School" program offers children the opprotunity to dress like pioneers and hold a full day of school in the one room school house. The teacher receives preparation materials. Materials to the teachers contain ideas, lesson plans, and activities for an 1880's school day. Cost is $5. The museum offers family programs with various hands-on activities and story telling,at the Annual Festival: " Harvest Homecoming" the entire community is invited to participate in fun filled and educational activities. "Log Cabin Village: History and Activity Guide" although tailored for the Log Cabin Village, contains activities and ideas that may be used at other similar institutions.